Ericameria viscidiflora ssp. axillaris: The Stiff Goldenbush
Ericameria viscidiflora ssp. axillaris, commonly known as the Stiff Goldenbush, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant is native to California, particularly in the southern Sierra Nevada and Transverse Ranges in the United States. It typically grows in chaparral, pine and oak woodlands, and open grasslands.
Description
The Stiff Goldenbush is a shrub that typically grows between 1-2 meters tall. It has woody stems that are sticky and glandular, and its twigs are angled and covered with resin. The leaves of the plant are small, narrow, and needle-like, measuring 1–2 centimeters long. The Stiff Goldenbush produces bright yellow flowers that bloom between August and December. The flower heads form dense, flat-topped clusters at the ends of the stems. The plant's roots are shallow and can extend up to 1-2 meters from the base of the trunk.
Uses
The Stiff Goldenbush is not widely used for medicinal or culinary purposes, but the Chumash Indians of Southern California used its leaves to brew a tea that they used to alleviate pain caused by stomach cramps. The plant also serves as a food source for various pollinators, including butterflies, moths, bees, and beetles. It is also a good plant for habitat restoration projects, particularly in areas where wildfire has caused extensive damage.
General Appearance
The Stiff Goldenbush is an attractive plant that features bright yellow flowers and dark green foliage. Its leaves are narrow and needle-like, and its stems are covered with resin. The plant typically grows in dense clusters and is well-suited for use in habitat restoration projects. It is also a popular ornamental plant for use in native gardens and can be used as a background plant or as a hedge. Its blooming period typically occurs in late summer through fall, making it an excellent addition to gardens that require late-season color.
Light Requirements
Ericameria viscidiflora ssp. axillaris requires full sun to grow and thrive. The plant needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day to facilitate proper growth. In the absence of adequate light, the plant tends to become leggy and produce fewer flowers. Therefore, it is best to plant it in a location that receives uninterrupted sunlight for most of the day.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows best in well-drained, slightly sandy soils. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loam, clay, and rocky soils. However, the soil must be moist but not waterlogged to support proper growth. Ericameria viscidiflora ssp. axillaris prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. Adding organic matter to the soil can help improve its fertility and water-holding capacity.
Temperature Requirements
Ericameria viscidiflora ssp. axillaris grows best in a mild to warm climate. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -10 °F (-23.3 °C) and as high as 100 °F (37.8 °C). However, the plant performs best when the temperature is between 60-80 °F (15.6-26.7 °C). In colder regions, it is best to protect the plant from frost using a protective cover. In hotter regions, it is essential to ensure the plant receives sufficient water as high temperatures can cause its soil to dry out too quickly.
Cultivation
Ericameria viscidiflora ssp. axillaris is an easy-to-grow shrub that thrives in full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering in its active growth phase. It can tolerate drought conditions but will benefit from regular watering during prolonged dry spells. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in winter or during dormancy.
Fertilization
The shrub does not require regular fertilization but benefits from a balanced fertilizer once a year in spring. Fertilization should be done before the onset of new growth. Avoid using too much fertilizer as it can lead to excessive growth, which can make the plant vulnerable to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the plant's growth, but it can be done to shape and maintain the desired size and form. Prune the plant in early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood. Furthermore, cutting about one-third of the total height of the plant can help create a compact form and encourage bushy growth.
Propagation of Ericameria viscidiflora ssp. axillaris
Ericameria viscidiflora ssp. axillaris, also known as the sticky goldenbush, is a native plant of California that belongs to the Asteraceae family. This perennial shrub can reach up to 2 meters in height and is commonly found in dry slopes and chaparral communities of Southern California. Propagation of Ericameria viscidiflora can be achieved through a variety of methods, including seed propagation, cuttings, and division.
Seed Propagation
Ericameria viscidiflora ssp. axillaris can be propagated from seeds collected during the fall season. Seeds should be sown into a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. Germination can occur within 1-2 weeks, but can take up to several months. Once seedlings have emerged, they should be placed in individual pots until they are large enough to be transplanted into the ground.
Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from Ericameria viscidiflora ssp. axillaris during the summer season. It is best to take cuttings from the current year's growth, using a sharp, clean instrument to make a clean cut. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining soil mix. Cuttings should be misted regularly to keep the soil moist and to prevent them from drying out. Within 3-4 weeks, roots should begin to form and the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots until they are large enough to be planted in the ground.
Division
Ericameria viscidiflora ssp. axillaris can also be propagated through division. This method is best done during the fall or spring season when the plant is dormant. Dig up the entire plant and separate it into smaller sections using a sharp, clean instrument. Each section should have a healthy root system and several stems. These sections can be planted directly into the ground or into individual pots until they are large enough to be transplanted.
Disease and Pest Management of Ericameria viscidiflora (Hook.) L.C. Anders. ssp. axillaris (Keck) L.C. Anders.
Ericameria viscidiflora (Hook.) L.C. Anders. ssp. axillaris (Keck) L.C. Anders. is a native shrub that is found in the western United States. While it is generally considered to be a hardy plant that is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, there are still several factors that can impact its health and productivity.
Common Diseases
One of the main diseases that can affect Ericameria viscidiflora (Hook.) L.C. Anders. ssp. axillaris (Keck) L.C. Anders. is stem canker. This is a fungal disease that can cause the stem to become discolored and weakened, which can make the plant more susceptible to breakage and other forms of damage. In severe cases, stem canker can cause the entire plant to die.
Another common disease that affects this plant is leaf spot, which is caused by a fungal or bacterial infection. This can cause significant damage to the leaves, which can turn yellow or brown and fall off prematurely.
To manage these diseases, it is important to practice good sanitation practices by removing and destroying any infected plant debris or debris lying around the plant. In addition, it is recommended to use fungicides or bactericides that can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
While Ericameria viscidiflora (Hook.) L.C. Anders. ssp. axillaris (Keck) L.C. Anders. is generally resistant to pests, there are still a few pests that can cause damage to the plant. One of the most common pests is the spider mite, which can cause significant damage to the leaves by sucking out the plant's sap.
Another pest that can cause damage is the aphid, which can also suck out the sap of the plant and cause the leaves to curl and turn yellow.
The best way to manage these pests is to use natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to control their populations. In addition, regular spraying with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can also help to keep the pest population in check.
By practicing good sanitation practices and using proper pest control methods, it is possible to keep Ericameria viscidiflora (Hook.) L.C. Anders. ssp. axillaris (Keck) L.C. Anders. healthy and productive for many years to come.
