Page 1 - 11 of 11
The most impressive in size turned out to be the Canadian clefthoof (Asarum canadense), on twenty centimeter petioles of which there are clear, heart-shaped, dense green, wax-textured leaves. The size of an adult man's brush.
In the conditions of the Moscow region, foliage does not winter. After planting, the hoof “thinks” for a year or two in which direction it is more convenient for it to grow (this behavior is usually also for other hoofs), and only then with a wide “step” it conquers a suitable area. Moreover, the curtains do not look loose - the large leaves remain closed. In adults (not less than 3 years old), the characteristic pubescence of the petioles and leaf edges appears, and the leaf areas between the veins become slightly swollen, as is the case with the host. It is quite understandable why this spectacular plant is an old-timer and a favorite in the gardens of Americans and Canadians, who spotted it in the forests of New England and Canada and settled in "cultural" conditions.
The main intrigue of the caudate hoof (A. caudatum) is in the form of its brownish-purple flowers. Its green-flowered form exists. By the way, A. caudigerum also has greenish flowers. The edges of the petals are drawn, long (and in truth, tails). It blooms - at the latest for hoofed animals - from late May to mid-June. The leaves are rounded-cordate, angular along the contour and with a blunt protruding nose; in texture, color and density like a birch leaf. The petioles are strong and plump, associated with pony legs. In newly grown leaves, they are very fleecy, and since in nature the tailed hoof prefers to grow in thickets of pines and spruce forests, they are often completely covered with hooked needles and look funny. The roots of its peculiar purple hue, which is why the Americans call this particular species "snakeroot" - "snake root". Like the European clefthoof, it forms an evergreen low (10-15 cm) cover. It is considered in our country to be non-resistant, as it comes from the forests of the west coast of the United States, where the climate is quite mild. For successful wintering, it should be carefully covered with a layer of foliage, spruce branches or dense stems of other plants.
A bright individuality is the Siebold's hoof (A. sieboldii) with dark red flowers and light green leaves, the slightly rough surface of which creates a "bluish haze" from a distance. But an even cover will not work out of it: in N. Leonova's garden, specimens brought from Primorye, from their natural habitats, more than 20 years ago still retain the shape of hemispherical bushes about 25 cm high, growing very moderately at the base. This feature allows them to be used in flower beds similarly to lungwort, heuchera and medium hosts. Moreover, you can place it in partial shade, since it is the most light and drought resistant species.
In the United States, the Chinese species, the Delaway's hoof (A. delavayi), is very widely used in landscaping. Not the tallest, but robust and with leaves up to 25 cm in diameter, from the very first year of planting, it begins to form a dense green canopy. Leaves with “fancy” dull yellow stains. The flowers are good too - velvety, dark chocolate on the outside and creamy with chocolate specks on the inside. Moreover, unlike other ungulates, in which the flowers dry out after parting with the seeds and until autumn dangle under the foliage in the form of brownish-gray shells, in Delavey's clefthoof, the flowers immediately separate and rot.
An equally impressive personality is the A. splendens, sometimes referred to as the "marble Chinese clefthoof." Its dark blue-green, elongated bud-shaped leaves are adorned with a contrasting silvery pattern. In its large lilac-purple flowers with black spots, not only a fly, but also a young frog can, if desired, fit.
This clefthoof made an exotic impression from the first minute of its acquaintance. The look of loose, like a “room sissy”, creamy-white roots caused doubts among me and the gardeners standing next to me: “Will it overwinter? I have to take a chance - maybe you will be lucky. " It was on the eve of the 2002 freezing cold. And lucky. For those risk-takers who have developed conditions in the garden that are close to natural conditions for clefthoofs, this "hero" with a tropical appearance has survived under a layer of foliage and needles and has now formed loose, but nevertheless, pretty curtains - "variegates" always attract Attention. For the same reason, it is worth thinking over a more delicate outwardly, “calm” environment for this handsome man.
“Motley” clefthoofs, as it turned out, are not uncommon in nature. The leaves of the weak's clefthoof (A. debile) are distinguished by an expressive pale-white spot. Hartweg's clefthoof (A. hartwegii) has leaves with a lacy light pattern. The bluish-green leaves of the Aronnicolifolia (A. arifolium) are covered with gray and silvery spots, and now it is actively used in breeding. Originators work with species, interesting and other qualities: apple-green rough leaves, which is why the whole plant looks very, very fluffy, like A. caulescens, characteristic elongated "ears" of A. campaniflorum leaves; very deep venation in the foliage of Fargez's clefthoof (A. fargessii); the virginian's clefthoof (A. virginicum) has the reverse side of the leaf with light purple streaks. Species with large bell-shaped, tubular, water-lily-shaped flowers, with a tuberous, velvety, fleecy surface, shades from brick-red to black with white and yellow throats, help to raise the status of hooves in the "flower" sphere.
An unusual cultivar miniature small-flowered 'Eco Ducor' (A. naniflorum). On evergreen dark leaves, silvery veins appear more and more clearly during the season, which is why by autumn they resemble cyclamen leaves. Flowers in the form of a bottle are also bizarre. This plant has become an adornment of many Canadian gardens. But even under ideal conditions, this clefthoof grows very slowly, and does not tolerate drought at all.
One of the most beautiful cultivars - ‘Cаlaway’ (A. shuttleworthii), a fellow countryman of the Canadian clefthoof, also winters with us without foliage. But in the spring the leaves grow unusually: at first they are rolled up into a tube and stand upright, like soldiers and, only fully turned around, lie almost on the ground, which is why the curtain of it does not exceed 10 cm.By the way, in spring conditions suitable for him, you can admire a solid carpet not from leaves, and abundant flowers, located "shoulder to shoulder" and until the moment of pollination just above the level of foliage, thanks to which he received from his admirers the title of "velvet queen". His addiction to acidic peaty soils is peculiar.
The ‘Eco Dark Heartlet’ variety of the same clefthoof has medium-sized leaves, absolutely round and highly glossy with silvery spots, with a contrasting dark green spot in the center. Velvet Queen (A. shuttleworthii var. Harperi) flaunts leaves twice as large as ‘Calaway’ with a distinct silvery pattern. And its five-centimeter flowers - giants for hooves - have an elongated shape and purple color with yellow blotches. By the way, this variety is ideally propagated by microcloning. And many other hoofs reproduce their qualities well in the "meristem" offspring (according to the University of California), which gives hope to our gardeners in the near future to admire them in their gardens.
The experience of domestic and Canadian gardeners shows that most of the hoofed animals recommended for zones 4–7 and even 5–9 can be cultivated in the conditions of central Russia. True, the lack of the latter may be complete or partial withering away of foliage in winter (in evergreen species) and not annual flowering. The main thing in achieving success, according to researchers, is a detailed knowledge of the growing conditions of a particular plant (addiction to soil, moisture, type of growth, etc.) and the creation of the most similar atmosphere in the garden, since clefthoofs are difficult to adapt to anything. then new, do not tolerate abrupt environmental changes.
Gardeners who do not want the slightest problem can diversify the assortment of ungulates due to two Caucasian species: the middle hoof (A. intermedium) with light green non-wintering leaves and dark red flowers and the similar Caucasian hoof (A. ibericum), which are already have long been positively assessed by GBS RAS for their introduction.
I am sure that over time, the hoofs will become the favorites of most of our gardeners and reliable assistants in the development of shady areas.
From the editor
So many names were given to the relict hoof of the Tertiary forests, once a widespread plant in the forests of the Northern Hemisphere. And "wild ginger, and" nausea, "and" feverish or hearty herb. " In the May issue of the magazine, M. Shalaveene told us about the most widespread species in the European part of Russia - the European hoof. And what new can we learn about his relatives from other continents? After all, this plant is becoming more and more popular in our flower beds.
There is a category of plants that are little known and are inconspicuous in their natural habitat, but it is worth placing them in the garden, as they immediately bloom (literally or figuratively) and show all their hidden "talents".
Clefthoof, he is azarum, one of them. Distributed throughout Europe, Southeast Asia and beyond. It settles in humid shady places, mainly in coniferous and mixed forests. Has varieties, but in our country, more often you will find an evergreen species - European.
It is easy to recognize azarum: leaves are heart-shaped (resembling a hoof) or spear-shaped, long-petiolate, forming a creeping carpet on the ground, less often curtains.
The European hoof, beloved by gardeners, has leathery dense leaves of a rich green color.
POPULAR SPECIES
Azarum European (Asarum europaeum)
- Habitat: everywhere in Europe and in the south of Western Siberia.
- Color spectrum:dark green glossy leaves forming a carpet.
- Height: up to 10 cm
- Growing conditions: in the shade of a garden where the soil is always moist.
- Features:evergreen perennial with leathery kidney-shaped leaves, medicinal plant.
Azarum tailed (Asarum caudatum)
- Habitat: Western North America
- Color spectrum: light green juicy foliage color
- Height: 10-15 cm.
- Growing conditions: shade, partial shade, moist humus soils, frost resistance up to -18 Celsius.
- Features:evergreen perennial with pubescent leaves up to 15 cm long, reniform with pointed tips, in the Middle Lane it winters well under the snow, it quickly recovers when it freezes.
IT'S IMPORTANT TO KNOW
The European hoof is a poisonous and, as it happens at the same time, a medicinal plant. It induces a gag reflex in alcohol drinkers (such a wonderful reaction!) And is widely used in folk medicine. But in order to feel the negative impact on yourself, you need to at least eat it :)
The clefthoof blooms inconspicuously, under the canopy of its own leaves, but its flowers, although small, are quite amusing.
HOOT IN GARDEN DESIGN
The shady paths of the garden are best framed with an azarum border. A dense cushion will ideally shade the paving material or the mulching layer of the garden path and will not give any chance to weeds. The relatively rapid growth of the creeping rhizome will allow it to densely fill the space in literally three to four years.
The same feature of growth determines the use of the clefthoof in the design of the near-stem zone of trees.
Small stature and high decorativeness ensured Azarum a place in the front rows of the garden parterre.
And the clefthoof looks great against the background of stones.
SHAPE AND COLOR COMBINATION
The best and perhaps the only use of azarum in a mixborder is the lower tier and foreground of a shady flower garden.
The Kirkazonov family
Clefthoof (Asarum)does not have an exotic appearance, but it is an attractive and very valuable plant for the garden. This perennial is able to transform any corner of the site and add its own flavor to the flower garden.
Despite its unremarkable appearance, this culture always becomes an expressive accent of the garden. In addition, this plant has a unique composition, so it can be used for medicinal purposes.
Usually, growing a clefthoof does not cause trouble for gardeners, it is enough just to follow some recommendations for caring for it. Then the lush perennial will delight the eye with its brightness and beauty for a long time.
The homeland of the clefthoof is Africa, North America, Europe, Western Siberia, Western Asia.
The hoof is popularly known as "forest pepper" because of the specific smell of fresh leaves, which somewhat resembles the smell of black pepper.
Botanical description of the grass clefthoof (with photo)
According to its botanical description, the common hoof is a perennial herb up to 30 cm high. The rhizome is creeping, branching, with a large number of thin long adventitious roots. The stem is thick, branched, brown.
The leaves are rich green, dense, heart-shaped, leathery, smooth, glossy, opposite, entire, with pronounced veins, up to 8 cm in diameter. Attached to a long stem. The width of the plate is greater than the length.
In shape, such a leaf somewhat resembles the footprint of a horse's hoof, hence the name of the plant. There are similarities with the human kidney, as a result of which botanists often call it "kidney-shaped". The stem, leaf stalks and leaves themselves are strongly pubescent on the underside. With the onset of the cold season, clefthoof leaves change their color to dark green. In early spring, they die off, after which new leaves appear.
Flowers are goblet or bell-shaped, single, bisexual, up to 1 cm in diameter, consist of 3 - 4 petals, can be yellow, pink or brown, formed at the top of the stem. Quite small flowers are often difficult to see behind large leaves. Flowering lasts from April to May.
The fruit is a hexagonal capsule containing seeds up to 3 mm in length. It is noteworthy that the smell and taste of the foliage resembles pepper.
The description of the clefthoof plant is supplemented by the photo below for a better idea of \u200b\u200bwhat this culture looks like:
Popular types of clefthoof
In total, there are about 120 species of clefthoof, many of which have found application in ornamental gardening and are used as a dense ground cover, preventing weeds from spreading and successfully hiding the shortcomings of the site.
European hoof (Asarum europaeum)
A perennial plant with a long (up to 20-25 cm) cord-like branchy rhizome, which is occasionally located on the soil surface, while acquiring a green color. Creeping stems, not rising above the soil surface, creeping along the ground, sometimes rooting. At the end there are two leaves on rather thin petioles. The leaves are glossy, rather dense, rounded, deeply carved at the junction with the petiole.
Between the leaves, at the very end of the stem, there is a large bud, covered with thin translucent integuments, under them are the rudiments of two future leaves. In the center of the kidney there is a small ball, similar to a pellet with small stamens inside. This is a bud. An amazing foresight of the plant: in advance, already in the fall, future flowers are formed, which will bloom very early in the spring, as soon as the snow melts.
The flowers are brown with a reddish tint, with 3 petals and 12 stamens. After flowering, the flower changes little, its petals do not fall off, they retain their shape and color. By the middle of summer, fruits are formed that do not differ in appearance from flowers. The seeds have an interesting feature - each seed is equipped with a kind of fleshy appendage of white color. This appendage is a treat for ants. Blooms for 4-7 years of life.
Tailed hoof (Asarum caudatum)
It is an evergreen creeping perennial up to 25 cm high. In good conditions it grows rapidly and forms a dense fluffy carpet. Leaves are dark green, dense, leathery, smooth, kidney-shaped, can be rounded or pointed at the end, attached to a long petiole.
The upper part with pronounced veins, the lower part is covered with fine villi. The length of the leaf plate is 5 - 10 cm, width 10 - 15 cm. In the photo of the tailed ungulate below, it can be seen that the flowers are single, brown-violet with a pale pharynx and narrow petals elongated to the top.
Flowering begins in the third decade of May, lasts until the first decade of June. This species has high frost resistance, is able to withstand frosts down to -20 degrees. Suitable for planting in central Russia. In severe winters with little snow, the roots can freeze slightly, but with the onset of warm spring days, the plant quickly recovers. A feature of the species is its ability to grow rapidly and dominate among other ground covers.
Siebold's Hoof (Asarum sieboldii)
This popular species of clefthoof, unlike others, has a short rhizome. Represents small rounded bushes up to 20 cm high. The leaves are reniform, can be pale green and gray-green. By the winter season, this clefthoof sheds its leaves.
The flowers are purple in color, formed in the axils of the leaves, rather small, up to 1.5 cm in diameter.
Canadian Hoof (Asarum canadense)
Herbaceous perennial with a large fleshy rhizome. Stems are branching, creeping. The leaves are heart-shaped, dark green. The flowers are claret-purple, with three sepals accreted at the base, slightly pubescent. Flowering begins in April and lasts until June.
Shiny Clefthoof (Asarum splendens)
One of the most spectacular types of clefthoof. It has rich green elongated heart-shaped leaves, on the surface of which a silvery-gray pattern is applied. The flowers are small, with three fused burgundy-brown petals. They resemble tree bark in color.
Large clefthoof (Asarum maximum)
It features beautiful bright green leaf plates with a marble pattern on the surface. The flowers are three-petal, slightly pubescent, have a black border around the edges and a white central part.
How does the perennial gingerbread plant reproduce?
In nature, this perennial plant reproduces and spreads mainly vegetatively (as the daughter parts of the rhizome are separated, with the dying off of old areas, the previously integral individual turns into a clump with segments of stems rooting at the nodes) and seeds propagated by ants eating a fleshy white appendage. Overgrowth occurs with the growth and rooting of annual growths of shoots, which usually occurs at the end of the growing season, after which they lie down and become part of the creeping rhizome.
In horticulture, two ways are known how the clefthoof reproduces: by dividing the bushes in April or by seeds in autumn and spring. In autumn, the seeds are sown in open ground immediately after collection. Before spring sowing, the planting material is stratified for 3 months, keeping in a cool place at a temperature not exceeding 5 degrees. The first shoots appear 2-4 weeks after sowing, these will be two leafy, rich green cotyledons. Young plants develop very slowly, and only after a year the first leaf will form.
It is more expedient to propagate the clefthoof by dividing the bush. If this culture is not on the site, you can choose a large, well-grown bush in the forest. If you already have one, you should dig it up, carefully divide it into parts so that each delenka has a sufficient number of shoots and roots. Planting is immediately carried out in a permanent place, after which the seedling is watered abundantly. The distance between the divisions should be about 35 cm.
After planting clefthoof seedlings in the open ground, care is carried out that will help young plants adapt to a new place, successfully root and continue their growth and development.
Outdoor clearing after planting
Clefthoof is an unpretentious plant, but it has its own characteristics. This culture is able to grow in one place without transplanting for about 30 years. All species of this plant develop slowly, and flowering occurs only 5 years after planting. The gardener should take into account that the ideal conditions for growing clefthoof are those that are as close as possible to forest ones.
Location. Clefthoof grows best in shade and partial shade, so you need to choose a place on the site where the plant will always be closed from direct sunlight. You can plant it under trees with spreading crowns.
The soil. Any garden nutrient soil is suitable for it. They must be loose, moderately moist, with neutral acidity or slightly acidic.
Watering. Regular watering is necessary for the clefthoof, since with a lack of moisture it withers and loses its decorative effect. Abundant irrigation is recommended in hot weather and prolonged drought.
Frost resistance. The European hoof has high frost resistance, therefore it hibernates successfully and is not damaged. Some species, such as shimmery, are designed to be grown in warm climates. When planting them in central Russia, you should take care of the shelter by preparing spruce branches, sawdust, dry leaves or dense material for this.
Applying Clefthoof flowers in the garden (with photo)
At first glance, unremarkable, the clefthoof is a valuable ornamental plant widely used in landscape design. This culture is universal. It helps to decorate the flower garden, complement the garden compositions, hide the unaesthetic corners of the site.
The claw is planted along the paths and curbs. With its help, they decorate the near-stem zone of trees. It grows widely, gradually forming a dense, lush carpet and leaving no room for weeds.
This culture looks advantageous both in single and group plantings, as well as in the foreground of a rabatka. The plant has found application in mixborders - the lower tier and in the foreground of the shady area. The gingerbread creates a bright green shiny background against which plants with openwork matte foliage look spectacular: ferns, daylilies, swimsuits, anemones, kupens, white flowers, redwoods, rogers and many others.
The hoof retains its decorative effect from early spring to late autumn.
All parts of this plant have healing properties. Leaves and shoots are rich in vitamins, tannins, valuable acids and essential oils. Due to its rich composition, the clefthoof has long been used in folk medicine. It is used for headaches, colds, vomiting, as well as for the treatment of alcoholism.
Attention! Clefthoof essential oil contains a twisted volatile substance - asarone, so it should be used with great care.
Take a look at a selection of photos with hoofed grass presented on this page, where this simple forest plant is shown in all its beauty:
In our gardens, there are a variety of decorative crops: beautifully flowering perennials and annuals, attracting attention with the brightness of the buds, delicate primroses, ferns, surprising with carved leaves. But there is a separate group among them: modest, almost imperceptible, forest plants. They are not exotic, but have an undeniable natural attractiveness, pleasing the eye with a pleasant appearance. Such forest representatives of the green kingdom, who have settled on personal plots, include the hoof - an ornamental deciduous perennial.
Among connoisseurs of flora, this plant is known primarily as a medicinal plant, but its decorative properties are no less valuable. Unusual leaves, similar to an animal's hoof (hence the name), are collected in rosettes that form soft curtains. In addition, the clefthoof is very unpretentious and belongs to those few cultures that prefer shade.
In folk medicine, the clefthoof is used very widely. It is used to treat:
- alcoholism and tobacco addiction,
- cardiovascular diseases,
- gastrointestinal diseases,
- wounds and eczema,
- colds, bronchitis and other lung problems.
Healers collect the roots and leaves of the plant, and then prepare decoctions or tinctures from it. However, official medicine does not recognize the medicinal properties of perennials.
[!] Aristolic acid in the ungulate is a powerful carcinogen. That is why the plant is considered poisonous and its uncontrolled ingestion is prohibited.
Clefthoof is a culture that has many names. Its Latin name is asarum or azarum, it comes from the word "asa", translated as an altar or sanctuary. In Western countries, the plant is called wild ginger (the smell of leaves and roots is similar to that of ginger) or snake root.
[!] Despite the apparent similarity, the clefthoof has nothing to do with real ginger and cannot be used as a seasoning.
In our country, the people nicknamed the decorative-deciduous perennial vomit (because of its ability to induce vomiting in a person), forest pepper (because of its bitter taste) and leaf leaf (grows naturally under trees). In addition, in various sources, the hoof is called a hoof.
The birthplace of the plant is unknown, now it is found in many regions: from Southeast Asia to North America. Several species grow in Russia, most often in the European part, in the Caucasus and Siberia. Uncontrolled deforestation has led to the fact that some wild hoofed animals are in danger of extinction, they are included in the Red Data Books of various countries.
Botany classifies the genus hoof (lat. Asarum) to the Kirkazonov family (lat. Aristolochiaceae), whose representatives grow, most often, in tropical and subtropical forests. All plants of the genus are herbaceous evergreen or deciduous perennials with a powerful branched rhizome and creeping shoots. Their main decoration is large glossy leaves of an unusual, usually heart-shaped, shape and bright color. Clefthoof flowers can hardly be called ordinary - three sharp or rounded petals on an elongated tube are a bit like a miniature jug. However, due to their small size (1 cm in diameter) and location under thick leaves, they are practically invisible.
The buds bloom in May, flowering lasts about a month, and at the end of June the fruit ripens in the form of a box.
[!] Like some other forest grasses that appeared on the planet even before the appearance of bees, the clefthoof reproduces with the help of ants that carry its seeds. Such an unusual natural phenomenon is called myrmecochoria.
Clefthoof species
Clefthoof is a fairly numerous genus. According to various sources, it includes from 60 to 120 species. The vast majority of them are plants of the humid tropics, and only a few have adapted to the harsh winters of a temperate climate. All species can be conditionally divided into two large groups: perennials, native to North America, and endemics of East and Southeast Asia.
Many species have been introduced into the culture and are grown both in our country and abroad. Among them are the following:
European hoof or ordinary (lat.Asarum europaeum). A species found in the European part of Russia, as well as in the south of Siberia. In the wild, the plant can most often be seen in deciduous or coniferous forests, as well as in the forest-steppe zone.
This is a low ground cover plant, the maximum height of which is 25 cm. Lying branching stems are decorated with heart-shaped leaves on long petioles, and no more than two leaves grow on one shoot. Their color is deep green. Young shoots, leaves and buds are covered with short silvery hair. Lingonberry flowers have three pointed petals and are small (about 0.8 cm) in size. Flowering occurs in mid-spring.
Canadian hoof (lat. Asarum canadense), also called Canadian wild ginger and Canadian snake root. The species is native to the deciduous forests of eastern North America, where it forms dense colonies in the undergrowth.
It is a herbaceous perennial plant with a fleshy rhizome, lodging branching stems and bright green bud-shaped leaves. Flowering lasts from April to June, pubescent flowers with three sepals, accreted at the base, are painted in a burgundy-purple hue.
K. European, K. Canadian Shiny clefthoof or Chinese (lat.Asarum splendens). In nature, it is most often found, as the name implies, in China and other countries of East Asia.
It has a very unusual appearance: elongated, heart-shaped leaves of a dark green hue with a pattern of silvery-gray spots, chaotically scattered over the leaf plate. Flowers hidden under dense foliage also look original - three fused petals of a brown-brown speckled color. In color and structure, the flowers are a bit like the bark of a tree.
Large hoof (lat.Asarum maximum). A beautiful groundcover native to China, distinguished by its dark green, heart-shaped leaves, often covered in a marble pattern with silvery veins. Three-petal, velvety flowers appear in spring under dense foliage. Their contrasting color is very interesting - white center and black edges. Famous varieties - "Panda" (Panda), "Green Panda" (Green panda), "Silver Panda" (Silver panda).
K. brilliant, K. large Tailed hoof (lat.Asarum caudatum). The homeland of the perennial is the moist coniferous and mixed forests of the North American continent. It is a low, herbaceous evergreen with a branched rhizome, dense glossy heart-shaped leaves and three-lobed purple flowers that end in gracefully curved lobes. It differs from other species by its rapid growth and a tendency to dominate among other ground covers. One of the most famous decorative varieties - "Little Murphy" (Little Murphy).
Small hoof (lat.Asarum minor). Another perennial native to North America. A beautiful ground cover, the heart-shaped leaves of which tend to change shade depending on the season: young leaves are painted bright green with a silvery pattern, by autumn they acquire an unusual purple hue. In culture, two varieties are most often found: "Honeysong" (Hanisong) and "Dixie Darling" (Dixie Darling).
Shuttleworth's Hoof (lat.Asarum shuttleworthii). A rare species that grows in the swampy forests of the east coast of North America. It can be recognized by its glossy, bright green, heart-shaped leaves adorned with light green veins. The greenish-brown flowers are subtle and hidden in the lower tier. The cultivated variety "Callaway" (Callaway).
K. tailed, K. small, K. Shuttleworth Japanese hoof (lat.Asarum nipponicum). As the name implies, the homeland of this perennial is Japan and Eastern China. A very slow-growing species that blooms for the first time only after 10-15 years. The deep green leaves on long stalks are decorated with a pattern consisting of randomly spaced silvery-gray spots. The flowers are very small, brownish-purple in color with a creamy center. Famous varieties - "Oniwari" (Onivari), "Milky Way" (Milky Way).
Three-footed hoof (lat.Asarum trigynum). Like the previous species, it is most often found in Japan. A miniature perennial with elongated silvery-gray leaves, a pattern of dark green veins on the leaf plate. Numerous flowers are located at the root and are painted in a creamy yellow tone. Two varieties have been introduced into the culture: "Album" (Album) and "Lime Zinger" (Lime Singer).
Takaoi's Cleft (lat.Asarum takaoi). Very beautiful low evergreen ground cover with leaves resembling those of cyclamen. In the wild, it is widely distributed on the Japanese islands in dense deciduous forests. Expanding, it forms a dense mat under the crowns of trees. The most popular variety is "Galaxy".
K. Japanese, K. three-pistil, K. takaoi Despite such a wide variety of species, only the European clefthoof is popular with gardeners in our country. The rest can still be attributed to exotics, found only in certain collections and greenhouses.
Use in landscape design
In nature, the hoofed bird is a plant of the lower layer of deciduous, coniferous and mixed forests. It forms a dense, dense deciduous carpet, covering vacant areas, and is able to grow even in full shade. In the garden, it is advisable to use a perennial in the same way - as a ground cover crop in shady places.
The clefthoof, the main advantage of which is its beautiful glossy leaves, looks great in near-trunk circles and between large trees and shrubs, where many other plants cannot survive. It should be noted that the ground cover can be located in the vicinity of both deciduous and coniferous crops.
A miniature perennial can also be used to decorate various kinds of flower beds, as well as borders, as long as they are located in a shaded and, preferably, humid place. The clefthoof looks especially good in the rock garden, between large stones.
As partners for decorative deciduous perennials, cultivated forest plants that live in the same conditions are best suited: various ferns, for example, lily of the valley, kupena.
In addition, exotic species of clefthoof are often grown in pots as a houseplant. Due to its slow growth, it does not require frequent transplanting, and in summer, in warm weather, the pots can be taken out into the open air, decorating loggias and verandas with them.
Clefthoof: care and cultivation
Among the features of the plant are the following:
- Asarum is considered a long-liver and is able to grow in one place for 25-35 years.
- Almost all perennial species grow very slowly and bloom only for 4-5 years.
- The hoof is a forest plant, therefore, when planting it in the garden, it is important to create conditions similar to natural ones.
Location, soil
Under natural conditions, this gentle ground cover hides under the shade of dense trees. When placing it on the site, you should choose a shaded place and a sheltered place. However, in the absence of a shady plot, you can plant a clefthoof in partial shade, and some gardeners manage to grow a perennial in the sun.
Wild ginger is very picky about the soil. It should be loose (water and breathable), moisturized and moderate to neutral acidity. Loamy substrates with the addition of peat and sand, rich in humus, are perfect.
Watering, pruning, wintering
It was said above that the soil on which this forest guest grows must be sufficiently moist. If there is not enough natural moisture, you should actively water the plant. This is especially necessary to do on hot summer days, when asarum suffers from drought.
It is not necessary to artificially form wild ginger: the hoof is growing very slowly and does not grow too wide. In addition, this culture does not have tall peduncles that are ugly exposed after flowering, so it does not need pruning.
As for wintering, the European hoof, which is the most widely represented in our gardens, is highly frost-resistant and hibernates well without any shelter. Hoofs from countries with milder climates - shiny, Japanese, three-pistil - are much less resistant to frosts of temperate climates. In winter, they should be protected by covering them with coniferous spruce branches or dry fallen leaves.
Reproduction
In nature, asarum is capable of propagating by seeds or vegetatively. However, seed reproduction of a ground cover in culture is rarely used: this is a rather laborious method, in addition, specimens obtained from seeds take a very long time to grow. It is much easier to divide an adult clefthoof, thus obtaining several plants.
For division, choose a large healthy bush, dig it out, shake off the soil and carefully separate a part of the root with several leaves. If you wish, you can not remove the plant from the ground, but simply cut it with a shovel directly in the ground. Then the separated part must be landed in a new place, having previously spilled it well. Seating scheme of divisions (distance between individual plants) - 25-30 cm.
You can share the clefthoof at any time of the year, but it is better to do this in early spring, before the buds appear.
Clefthoof - both in the forest and in the garden
Clefthoof belongs to the Kirkazonov family, is a perennial with creeping rhizomes. The plant is widely used in alternative medicine, especially for alcoholism.
Description
The plant is small in size, from 5 to 10 cm. Leaves are hoof-shaped, spreading along the ground. The clefthoof develops not only in summer, but also in winter, covered with a cap of snow. In spring, the green branches of the perennial come to the surface.
Source: Depositphotos
Clefthoof - perennial for the treatment of ailments
The flowering period begins in the second half of summer, but the flowers are so small that it is difficult to see them under the large leaves. The root system spreads widely in all directions, capturing every possible space.
According to the description of the clefthoof, it can be noted that the stem is also barely noticeable, in the root zone it releases leaves, which soon cover it with their forms. The "carpet" is pollinated by ants, and propagated by seeds.
Common types
Siebold's hoof flower is found in the south of the Far East, it is a small shrub of many dark green leaves. With the onset of frost, the leaves die off. Blooms in the spring.
The Canadian species grows in forest thickets, forms a continuous carpet. It has a long threadlike root with a scaly stem and wide leaves. Shades mushrooms and other forest plants.
The European clefthoof in the photo and in reality is especially beautiful - it blooms profusely in early May, the flowers have a burgundy color. The plant produces its first inflorescences at the 5-6th year of life. The life of a plant in one place is three decades.
Growing and care
In order for an evergreen plant to please a gardener at a summer cottage, you must follow the rules for caring for a hoof. You can plant the flower as a single plant, preferring shaded areas with moist drainage soil.
The transplanting and planting of the clefthoof are carried out in warm weather, when shoots appear at the stem, or by dividing the bush. The latter method is the most productive, it guarantees flowering for the next year. Diseases and pests are not dangerous to the flower.
Beneficial features
Perennial contains tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids. Clefthoof root is used to prepare an expectorant, emetic, anti-inflammatory agent, and gruel from the plant is used to heal wounds and purulent ulcers.
Clefthoof is an evergreen perennial, a popular flower for creating landscape compositions, not capricious in its care.