2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Shepherdia has recently attracted the attention of gardeners. Breeders became interested in it a few more than a century ago, while in their homeland, in North America, the indigenous population for many centuries used shepherdia as a valuable nutritive and medicinal plant
Features of Shepherdia
The optimal climatic conditions for growing Shepherdia are the subarctic belt. However, it is successfully propagated and grown not only in the taiga, but also in temperate continental zones. It leaves the dormant period in April, the growing season continues until November.
Shepherdia's appearance resembles sea buckthorn and goof. It is a tree-like, multi-stemmed shrub that reaches a height of about 7 m. The plant has a wide crown - about 15 m. The branches are covered with sharp thorns, thanks to which the plants are also used in landscape design for hedges. Leaves and shoots are covered with scales with a silvery sheen.
During flowering, the branches of a tree-like shrub are densely covered with bunches of small flowers. This picturesque picture can be observed in May for 10 days. Like sea buckthorn, shepherdia is a dioecious plant. On one tree, only pistillate flowers or only staminate flowers can dissolve their petals. This feature must be taken into account if the gardener intends to harvest the shepherdia fruits.
What are the benefits of Shepherdia fruits
The fruits ripen by the end of September. They have high dietary and nutritional qualities. It is a small drupe, up to 5 mm in diameter. They are juicy, have a pleasant aroma, and taste akin to red currants and barberries. Studies show that the content of vitamin C in the fruits of Shepherdia is one and a half times higher than in its close relative, sea buckthorn. In addition, it is rich in other useful substances. In particular, the plant is valued for its vaso-strengthening qualities, increasing the elasticity of the capillary walls.
The fruits are eaten fresh and used in recipes for preparations - jam, compote. Lovers of homemade liqueurs will appreciate the taste of Shepherdia. An original sauce for meat dishes is obtained from the fruits. The value of Shepherdia is not limited to its rather decorative appearance and useful fruits. Among other things, it is an excellent early honey plant. And the features of the biochemical processes of the root system contribute to the enrichment of the soil with nitrogen.
Breeding and caring for shepherd
Breeding Shepherdia is available in different ways:
• seeds;
• green cuttings;
• root shoots.
Sowing seeds is carried out in the fall, before winter and in the spring with stratified sowing material. Experienced gardeners note that with podzimny sowing, the percentage of germination is much higher. The seed retains good germination for two years. Seeds should be stratified before spring sowing within two months. Reproduction by green cuttings begins in the middle of summer. In this case, the number of cut shoots from female plants should be at least 10 times more than male ones.
Cuttings are treated with a growth stimulant and planted obliquely in greenhouses. The planting depth is about 1.5 cm. Additionally, sand is poured with a layer of another 3 cm. Care consists in spraying with water and shading from direct sunlight. On average, cuttings take root in two weeks.
Root offspring are almost ready-made planting material. But they can surprise with their location, as they germinate at a distance of 1.5-2 m from the tree trunk.
Shepherdia tolerates transplanting seedlings and seedlings very well. For a permanent place, sunny areas are allocated to her. Saplings are planted in spring or autumn. With the seed method of reproduction, the plant enters fruiting after 5-6 years. When vegetative - twice as fast. On average, at least 7 kg of fruits can be harvested from one tree.
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