Mother Nature's Montrose Garden

Sunday, August 8, 2021

Plant of the Month (August) : Fourwing Saltbush – Atriplex canescens

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): Mother Nature's Montrose Garden

As the climate becomes more variable, Western gardeners are switching to plants known for their flexibility and resilience. One such shrub – which also serves as a nice background to flowering plants – is the native Fourwing saltbush, Atriplex canescens. The scientific name is pronounced: AT-try-plex kan-ESS-sens.

The genus Atriplex, the Saltbushes or Oraches, contains over 200 species worldwide and is currently assigned to the subfamily Chenopodioideae of the family Amaranthaceae (note: formerly known as the family Chenopodiaceae). [1] Saltbushes grow in a wide range of habitats, from dry deserts to sea coasts and other moist places. They are known as saltbushes because they can grow in salty soils, often ‘harvesting’ and sequestering salt from the environment. They have also developed several adaptations to dry conditions (more on this below).

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): San Miguel Co, CO.

Fourwing saltbush is a common shrub or sub-shrub (part-woody plant) of western North America. Its range stretches from Western Canada east to North Dakota and south to northern Mexico and Baja California. It is a common sight in many Colorado counties, usually growing on ‘dry slopes and plains, 3800-8800 ft’. [2] It typically – but not always - grows in dry, alkali and often salty soils. In Western Colorado, such soils are often associated with ancient shallow seas.

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): growth habit

Atriplex canescens is a mounded medium to large shrub, typically 3-4 ft tall in sites with little rainfall, but reaching heights of 6-8 ft or more in very favorable sites. The width ranges from two to eight ft. The form is variable across the species’ range; in some places almost tree-like, while in other sites low and compact. Common garden studies (species from different sites raised in the same ‘garden’) suggest that the differences are likely genetic in origin. [3]

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): foliage

Fourwing shrubs are many-branched and evergreen to semi-evergreen, losing at least some leaves to winter cold and/or drought. There is considerable variability in foliage characteristics. But in all sites, plants appear silvery green in contrast to other shrubs. This is due to several factors including: 1) scales that cover young leaves; 2) trichomes (plant hairs) that cover older leaves and small branches; 3) on salty sites, a crust of salt crystals exuded by the trichomes.

The growth rate of Atriplex canescens is at least partly dependent on soil moisture. This plant is an opportunist, growing quickly when resources are abundant and more slowly in times of drought. Its root system makes the most of any soil moisture it receives. Like many of our most drought-tolerant Western shrubs, Fourwing saltbush has both a network of shallow roots and a deep taproot (20 ft. to as much as 40 ft. deep). The roots can utilize both monsoonal moisture and deeper soil water reserves. Not surprisingly, plants in the wild are long-lived, even in harsh climates.

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): in wild

Fourwing saltbush is dioecious; male and female flowers occur on separate plants. But that’s just part of the story. Plants can change sex, usually from female to male, in times of stress (like drought). [4] This is yet another adaptation to harsh and variable conditions.

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): male flowers

Fourwing saltbush isn’t a species to plant for flowers. Both male and female flowers are small and yellow-brown. But the seeds (female plants only) are housed in an interesting dry fruit with four ‘wings’ (bracts) which is unique to the species and attractive in fall and winter (below).

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): green fruits

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): ripe fruits

Atriplex canescens is an important habitat plant in the wild. The fruits and seeds are consumed by birds (including quail, grouse and other birds), rabbits and other small mammals. The fruits and foliage are browsed by Jack rabbits, bighorn sheep, antelope, deer and elk in fall and winter. This browse is high in protein and considered a nutritious food source. Shrubs are often browsed severely by spring (see photo, below). Shrubs also provide cover for small and medium-sized animals and birds. And insects, including lacewings, ladybugs, hoverflies and the larvae of Mojave & Saltbush Sootywing Skippers, eat either the foliage or insects on it. [4,5]

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): browsing elk

Fourwind saltbush is easy to grow in USDA Zones 6-10. It tolerates a wide range of soil textures, from sandy or gravelly to loams, with pH from 6.5 to 9.0 (alkali). It can be grown in full sun, even in hot gardens, but also tolerates some shade. It does need good soil drainage, particularly in areas with abundant rain, and is very drought tolerant once established.

Give it weekly water for the first summer or two, then once a month or less thereafter. In fact, there’s a greater danger over over- than under-watering established plants. Plants may be susceptible to root fungi, so plant them in a drier part of the garden, if necessary.

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): tolerates
drought and salty soils

As mentioned above, wild Fourwing shrubs are often well-browsed during fall and winter. They are designed to take a yearly shearing, so don’t hesitate to cut branches back by 1/3 in late winter or early spring. Pruned plants will be heathier, bushier and better looking than those left unpruned. And that’s about it for this hardy, disease-free shrub.

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): fruits are showy

So how can Atriplex canescens be used in the garden? If you have a hot, dry area where little else grows, you might want to consider it. It’s a good alternative to the cacti (or non-living ground covers) often used in such situations. If given a yearly pruning it’s tidy enough for the front yard; no one will even suspect it’s a native! It is also a good choice for a sheared hedge, due to its dense foliage; or can be included in a mixed hedgerow.

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): good choice
for dry conditions

In areas where Fourwing saltbush is native, it can provide an effective transition to wildland areas or a backbone shrub for local native plantings. We like it mixed with other native shrubs and flowering perennials (below). The silvery-green color of Atriplex canescens contrasts beautifully with the silvers and deep greens of other plants. It is relatively fire-resistant compared to other Western native shrubs, which is another plus. And, of course, its habitat value makes it a good choice for attracting wildlife.

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): foliage provides
nice contrast year-round

Atriplex canescens has been put to good use by humans as well. The leaves can be harvested and eaten, raw or cooked, most times of the year. The one exception is if your soil is high in selenium; this plant is a selenium-accumulator, so leaves should not be eaten from selenium-rich soils. The seeds are tiny, but can be ground for flour or pinole. [4]

The leaves produce a soapy lather for hair washing or to relieve itchy skin, rashes and insect bites. Leaves and roots can be used to make a soothing poultice for insect bites and stings. [6] The Hopi burn green foliage for an ash that enhances the color of blue corn products. This ash can also be used as a baking powder substitute. [3] And the foliage yields a yellow dye.

We are big fans of Fourwing saltbush. It’s a tough-as-nails, drought tolerant shrub that adds beauty and usefulness to the garden. It isn’t showy, but it fills a niche that few other native shrubs do so well. It is most often available from local native plant nurseries, though we suspect it may become more common in the future. We suggest you seriously consider it for your future-resilient garden!

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens): Montrose, Colorado garden

For a gardening information sheet see: Gardening sheet atriplex canescens (slideshare.net)

For more pictures of this plant see:

For plant information sheets on other native plants see: http://nativeplantscsudh.blogspot.com/p/gallery-of-native-plants_17.html

____________

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atriplex

2. Ackerfield, J. Flora of Colorado. Brit Press, 2015

3. http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/atrcan/all.html

Plants for a Future Database – http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Atriplex+canescens
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ATCA2
http://herb.umd.umich.edu/herb/search.pl?searchstring=Atriplex+canescens

We welcome your comments (below). You can also send your questions to: monaturesmontrosegarden@gmail.com

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Plant of the Month (July) : Plains (Dyer’s) Coreopsis – Coreopsis tinctoria

Plains (Dyers) Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria): Great native wildflower for home gardens

Seems like one long heatwave this summer in the Western U.S. Here on the Western Slope of Colorado, I think we’re going for the gold! Cheerful garden flowers can soothe when the heat threatens to get you down. And when the plants are also easy-to-grow? That sounds like Plains Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria). The scientific name is pronounced cor-ee-OP-sis tinc-TOR-ee-uh.

Plains coreopsis has been given several scientific names over the years: Calliopsis bicolor; Coreopsis atkinsoniana; Coreopsis cardaminefolia; Coreopsis similis; Coreopsis stenophylla; and several named varieties of Coreopsis tinctoria. You can still see this species being sold as Calliopsis in the nursery trade.

Among the many common names given this species are Dyer’s coreopsis, Golden tickseed, Garden calliopsis, Elegant coreopsis, Good neighbors calliopsis, Cress-leaved coreopsis and Nuttall’s weed. The name Coreopsis comes from the Greek words koris (bug) and opsis (like); the shape of the seed resembles a bug or tick. [1] The specific name, tinctoria, refers to the plants properties as a dye plant (more below).

Plains coreopsis is native to much of the western and southern U.S. and is particularly common in the Great Plains states. In Colorado, Coreopsis tinctoria is native to the northeastern counties. But the species is widely planted throughout the U.S. and Europe, and has naturalized in areas outside its native range. In the wild, Plains coreopsis is found in moist – often disturbed – places such as prairies, plains, meadows, pastures and roadsides.

Plains (Dyers) Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria): growth habit

Plains (Dyers) Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria): foliage

Coreopsis tinctoria is an herbaceous annual (sometimes a short-lived perennial). It grows 1-4 ft (0.3-1.3 m.) tall and 1-2 ft wide. In our experience, the plant grows taller and fuller with more water. The plants are upright with stiff stems and lacy foliage. The leaves are simple- or double-pinnate and medium green in color (above).

Plains (Dyers) Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria): flowering plant

Plants flower from summer to fall, depending on local conditions. Plants can flower for a month or more, particularly if faded blooms are dead-headed. The flowers are compound (typical for Sunflower family), with dark maroon disc flowers (center) and ray flowers that may be yellow with a maroon dot/splotch or almost entirely maroon (above). A single plant can have a range of flower color variants.

Plains (Dyers) Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria): close-up of flower head

The flowers face the sun, moving on their slender stalks throughout the day. Grow Coreopsis where you can enjoy their spectacular colors, with the sun at your back. And don’t hesitate to harvest some flowers to enjoy indoors. They make good cut-flowers and add a nice touch of color to a mixed bouquet.

Coreopsis tinctoria re-seeds nicely in many gardens, so this is an easy plant to naturalize. Just leave at least some flowers to produce seeds. When the flowering heads are dry (about 4 weeks after flowers fade), scatter the seeds where desired. Alternatively, you can clean the seeds and save them for planting in the spring. Rub the dried flower heads between gloved hands, releasing the small seeds. Gently blow away the chaff, then store fully dry seeds in a sealed container in a cool place.

Plains (Dyers) Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria): emergent seedlings

Plains (Dyers) Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria): seeedlings ready to plant out

Seeds can be planted in prepared beds in spring or grown in pots indoors and then planted out. Seeds need no pre-treatment and are easy to grow. Barely cover the seeds - they need light to stimulate germination. The photos above show seedlings at two different stages. Note that the emerging leaves are simple compared to mature leaves.

Plains coreopsis is not a fussy wildflower. It will grow in most soils and does well in full or part-sun. It is said to favor a wide range of soil pH – from 5 to near 8 (Mother Nature’s Montrose Garden). Young plants need good soil moisture, but taper off the water as plants become established (and particularly after they start to go to seed in later summer or fall). In our garden it has not experienced any serious pests or diseases, although slugs or snails might be bothersome in a moister climate. Taller plants may need support if you live in a windy area.

Plains (Dyers) Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria): pollinator

Plains (Dyers) Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria): bee pollinator

So, why grow Coreopsis tinctoria? Well, it’s an easy-to-grow annual wildflower that can be grown in small places, including in containers. Its flowers add a cheery note to any garden – large or small. If you desire to create habitat, this is a great plant for native pollinators and birds. The flowers ‘provide nectar and pollen to a wide variety of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, and beetles.' [2] We’ve noticed that some bee species seem particularly drawn to the darker flowers, while others visit the bi-color flowers (above). And seed-eating birds will thank you for the seeds.

Plains (Dyers) Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria): dye bath

Plains (Dyers) Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria):dyed yarn

The flowers contain several chemicals used as natural dyes. Colors ranging from yellow to mahogany can be produced by altering the pH of the dyebath. The dyes are readily released from fresh or dried flower heads. Just pour hot water over the flowers and wait an hour or so. The red colored water can be used to dye wool or silk. The red dye chemicals will attach first, then the yellows, so different colors can be obtained from a single dye bath. We’ll talk more about natural dye methods in a future posting.

Coreopsis tinctoria has a medicinal tradition as well. An infusion (tea) from the plant has been used as a tonic, and for internal pains and bleeding. Zuni women desiring a female child would also drink such an infusion. [3, 4]

Plains (Dyers) Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria): in
Mother Nature's Montrose Garden

Plains coreopsis provides cheerful summer color in the garden. It looks spectacular when massed or contrasted against green background foliage. It’s a good filler around growing shrubs and perennials. Some gardeners include it in a cuttings garden or herb garden. It will attract a range of pollinators if planted among your vegetables. It is also effective when combined with native grasses and other native wildflowers for a meadow or prairie planting.

Plains (Dyers) Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria): flowers contrast
well with green background foliage

Seeds are readily available from many on-line seed sources. If you desire specific characteristics, you can choose from several available cultivars. But the straight species is a delight, so there’s something for everyone. Plan to order some seeds this summer for fall planting. You’ll be the envy of your friends and neighbors next summer (and you’ll be able to share some seeds)!

Plains (Dyers) Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria): Easy-to-grow wildflower

For a gardening information sheet see: Gardening sheet coreopsis tinctoria (slideshare.net)

For more pictures of this plant see: Coreopsis tinctoria photo show (slideshare.net)

For plant information sheets on other Western US native plants see: http://nativeplantscsudh.blogspot.com/p/gallery-of-native-plants_17.html

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1. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277179&isprofile=0&

2. https://illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/pl_coreopsis.htm

3. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=coti3

4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plains_coreopsis

___________________________________________

We welcome your comments (below). You can also send your questions to: monaturesmontrosegarden@gmail.com

Sunday, June 13, 2021

Plant of the Month (June) : Mock Orange – Philadelphus lewisii

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii):

Long-blooming flowering shrubs are justifiably popular. They add beauty to the landscape, while also providing nectar and pollen for the many pollinators visiting a summer garden. One of our western favorites is the Mock Orange, Philadelphus lewisii (pronounced fil-uh-DEL-fus loo-ISS-ee-eye). Our Philadelphus shrubs often bloom through most of June and into July.

Philadelphus lewisii is known simply as Mock Orange or as Lewis', Gordon’s, Wild, Western, Pacific, Idaho or California Mock Orange; in some places, it’s also called Indian arrowwood (it’s woody stems have been put to many uses, including as arrow shafts). The genus Philadelphus was named by Linnaeus after Pharoah Ptolemy II Philadelphus. The species name honors Meriwether Lewis, Western U.S. explorer who collected the plant.

The genus Philadelphus contains approximately 60 species native to North and Central America, Asia, and southeastern Europe; about 27 Philadelphus species are native to North America. [1] Only one species, Philadelphus microphyllus (Littleleaf Mock Orange), is native to Colorado. Other Western Colorado genera in Hydrangeaceae (the Hydrangea Family, to which Philadelphus belongs) are Fendlera, Fendlerella and Jamesia. [2]

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): in nature

Philadelphus lewisii is native to northwestern United States and southern Canada. It occurs from extreme southern British Columbia south to California, and east to north and central Idaho, western Montana, and southwestern Alberta. [3] In its native range it commonly occurs in open coniferous forests and forest edges, usually associated with other shrubs. It is found in a range of plant communities, often along stream sides and moist open woodlands; it can also grow on dry, rocky hillsides, in pine forests and in sagebrush deserts. Fortunately for gardeners, it also does well in gardens across the west and beyond.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): growth habit

Mock Orange is a multi-stemmed, winter-deciduous shrub. It commonly grows 4-6 ft [ m] tall and wide, although some plants grow to 10 or more ft. tall. The growth habit is usually mounding to vase-shaped, though plants may be loosely sprawling or arching. The growth pattern and flowering characteristics are quite variable between plants and locations. Growth rate ranges from moderate to fast.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): foliage

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): fall color

The leaves of Mock Orange are oval, opposite and may have serrated edges. Leaves start out light green in spring, becoming medium green in summer. Leaves usually turn yellow in fall. The bark of twigs and young branches is reddish-brown, becoming gray and flaking with age. When not in bloom, the plant is a pleasant green shrub that makes a good backdrop for showier species.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): flowering plant

But when Philadelphus lewisii blooms, the shrub becomes spectacular! A mature plant can be covered with hundreds – even thousands – of blooms. The flowers grow in clusters along a flowering stem. Individual flowers are up to 1 ½ inches across and pure white. The flowers are heavily scented with an aroma similar to that of orange blossoms (hence the common name of Mock Orange). Flowers are pollinated primarily be bees, though butterflies also visit the flowers.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): close-up of flower

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): green sepals

Plants bloom from late spring into early summer – as long as a month or more in our part of Western Colorado. Flowers have four (sometime five) petals and numerous yellow stamens. The green sepals remain after the petals fall – an interesting look in its own right (above). The fruit is a small hard capsule (a centimeter long) with woody wings, containing many brown seeds. New plants can be started from seeds scattered in fall, or pre-treated (cold-moist treatment for 2-3 months) and planted in spring.

[capsule and seeds – coming soon]

Mock Orange is an adaptable plant in the garden. It can thrive in a wide range of soil textures, with pH from 5.0-8.0. It is quite hardy and can be planted from USDA Zone 3 to 9 (most Sunset Zones). It is fine in full sun to part-shade (morning sun) and fairly drought tolerant once established. In hot, dry gardens of Western Colorado it does best with a weekly deep irrigation during the summer months.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): does well in part-shade, particularly
in hot gardens

Mock Oranges benefit from some yearly pruning. Like Lilacs, yearly removal of the oldest ¼ to 1/3 of branches helps renew the plant and promote abundant blooms. Old, neglected plants can be coppiced (cut back almost to the ground) to renew them. Just be careful using herbicidal sprays around Mock Oranges; they are very sensitive to such chemicals.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): in hedgerow with mint groundcover.
Mother Nature's Montrose Garden.

Philadelphus lewisii is an excellent choice for a medium to large shrub. It is attractive from the time of bud-break until it loses its last leaves in fall. It makes a nice screen plant and an attractive addition to a mixed hedgerow. It can be successfully used for erosion control, including along streams and slopes. It is equally at home in a natural or woodland garden as it is in a more formally manicured design. Shrubs are effective both as specimen plants or to provide a background for other shrubs or flowering plants.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): in garden.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden.
Claremont, California

Of course, the flowers - with their fragrance and long season - have made Mock Orange a popular garden shrub since first introduced into English gardens in 1825. In fact, this shrub has an old-fashioned appearance; it would look right at home in a Victorian or Edwardian-themed garden. And one can’t ignore the habitat value of Mock Orange. It supports pollinators from native bees to butterflies. The seeds are eaten by many birds including grosbeaks, juncos, thrushes, bluebirds, flickers, quail, chickadees and finches. [4]

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): nectaring Lady Butterfly

Mock Orange also has several traditional human uses. The flowers can be used to prepare perfumes and teas. Dried, powdered leaves were traditionally mixed with oils and applied to sores and swollen joints. Leaves and flowers contain a high concentration of saponins. They can be used as a gentle soap or shampoo. Just whisk bruised plant materials in water; or wet your hands and rub the plant materials between your hands to create a lather.

The hard wood has traditionally been used to make bows, arrows, combs, tobacco pipes, cradles, netting shuttles – even knitting needles! Stems were also used in coiled basketry.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): four year old 'Blizzard'

A number of cultivars of Mock Orange are available from nurseries. In fact, the cultivars are likely more readily available than the straight species. In Mother Nature’s Montrose Garden we grow both ‘Blizzard’ and ‘Cheyenne’. ‘Blizzard’, which comes from Canada, is very hardy and more compact (5-6 ft. tall and wide) than some cultivars. ‘Cheyenne’, from Wyoming, grows to 6-9 ft. tall and is known for its sweetly scented flowers.

Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii): three year old 'Cheyenne'

The cultivar ‘Covelo’ has very dense foliage (good for hedge or screen) while ‘Goose Creek’ and ‘Marjorie Schmidt’ (both from N. California) have double flowers. ‘Mount Tahoma’ has variegated leaves and ‘Snow Velvet’ has large, 2 inch flowers on an 8-9 ft. plant. ‘Waterton’ is known for its drought tolerance.

In summary, Mock Orange is a favorite shrub for many reasons. While not native to Colorado, it grows in neighboring states and does very well in gardens of the Four Corners states. It’s a nice-looking shrub most of the year. And when in bloom it is a show-stopper. This is one of those old-time favorites that looks good in most types of gardens, from formal to very informal. It has a wonderful scent and provides good habitat value for its size. If you’re looking for a medium to large shrub, take a closer look at Philadelphus lewisii and its cultivars. You may decide that Mock Orange is just what your garden needs.