Origin
Arabis arcuata (Nutt.) Gray var. secunda (T.J. Howell) Robertson, commonly known as Great Basin rockcress, is an herbaceous perennial plant native to western North America. It is commonly found in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Nevada, and Utah.
Common Names
The Great Basin rockcress is commonly referred to as Nuttall's rock Cress, Arcuate Rock Cress, and Lyrate-leaved rockcress.
Uses
The Great Basin rockcress has been used in traditional medicine for a wide variety of ailments including fever, stomach problems, and respiratory ailments. This plant contains multiple medicinal properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties.
This plant also has horticultural value and is popular as an ornamental plant in rock gardens due to its attractive foliage and early spring blooms.
General Appearance
The Great Basin rockcress plant typically grows to a height of 3-7 cm and a width of around 20 cm and grows in a clumping habit. The leaves are lyrate-pinnatifid, measured up to 5 cm long. The inflorescence of the plant is upright with white, yellow, purplish tinged flowers blooming in early spring.
The Great Basin rockcress has a deep and fibrous root system, allowing it to grow in nutrient-poor soils.
Light Requirements
Arabis arcuata var. secunda typically grows best in full sun to partial shade. It is important for the plant to receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to maintain healthy growth.
Temperature Requirements
Arabis arcuata var. secunda can grow in a variety of temperatures. However, it is most commonly found in cold and arid regions with temperatures ranging from -20 to 30 degrees Celsius. In order to maintain healthy growth, this plant must be able to tolerate both warm and cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
This plant can grow in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils with a neutral pH level of 6 to 7.5. Arabis arcuata var. secunda does not tolerate wet soils and requires good water drainage. The soil should also be rich in nutrients, and organic matter such as compost or manure can be added to increase soil fertility.
Cultivation Methods
Arabis arcuata (Nutt.) Gray var. secunda (T.J. Howell) Robertson, commonly known as curved rockcress, is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows in rocky soils in the mountains and high deserts of the western United States.
When cultivating curved rockcress, it is important to mimic its natural habitat as much as possible. This means planting it in well-draining, rocky soil that is moderately fertile and rich in organic matter.
The plant should be positioned in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade and is sheltered from strong winds. The ideal temperature range for curved rockcress is between 40°F to 75°F.
Watering Needs
Curved rockcress requires moderate watering during the growing season. The plant should be watered deeply once a week or more often, depending on the soil and weather conditions.
It is important not to overwater curved rockcress, as it can lead to root rot and other diseases. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions.
Fertilization
Curved rockcress is not a heavy feeder, and too much fertilizer can damage the plant. Fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and blooming.
Avoid using fertilizers that are high in nitrogen, which can promote leaf growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning
Curved rockcress does not require much pruning, but it is beneficial to remove any dead or damaged stems or leaves throughout the growing season.
At the end of the flowering season, the plant can be cut back to encourage new growth and prevent it from becoming too woody.
By following these cultivation and care guidelines, you can successfully grow and enjoy the beauty of curved rockcress in your garden.
Propagation of Arabis arcuata (Nutt.) Gray var. secunda (T.J. Howell) Robertson
Arabis arcuata (Nutt.) Gray var. secunda (T.J. Howell) Robertson can be propagated by seed or vegetative methods such as stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
The seeds of Arabis arcuata (Nutt.) Gray var. secunda (T.J. Howell) Robertson can be collected from the plant when they are fully mature. The best time to collect the seeds is when they turn brown. The collected seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until planting time. To plant the seeds, prepare a well-drained soil mixture and sprinkle the seeds over the soil. Press the seeds lightly into the soil, cover with a thin layer of soil, and water gently. The seeds should germinate in 7-14 days under optimal conditions.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are also an effective method of propagating Arabis arcuata (Nutt.) Gray var. secunda (T.J. Howell) Robertson. Take stem cuttings from the plant during the growing season. Cuttings should be at least 4 inches long and should have at least two sets of leaves. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mixture and keep the soil moist until roots develop. Once roots develop, the new plant can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Disease Management
Arabis arcuata var. secunda is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases that can affect its growth and yield. The most common diseases include:
- Downy Mildew: It is caused by Peronospora parasitica and characterized by yellowing and wilting of leaves. It can be managed by avoiding overhead irrigation and applying fungicides such as copper-based products.
- Clubroot: It is caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae and can cause significant yield losses. Management strategies for clubroot include crop rotation, soil sterilization, and use of resistant varieties.
- Anthracnose: It is caused by Colletotrichum higginsianum and can cause defoliation and reduced plant growth. Control measures for anthracnose include removal of infected plant debris and use of fungicides.
Pest Management
Arabis arcuata var. secunda is also susceptible to various insect pests that can cause damage to the plant. The most common pests include:
- Aphids: They suck sap from the plant and can cause wilting and stunting. Control measures for aphids include the use of insecticidal soap and neem oil.
- Cabbage Worms: They feed on leaves and can cause significant damage. Control measures include handpicking and use of biological control agents such as Bacillus thuringiensis (BT).
- Cabbage Loopers: They are caterpillars that feed on leaves and can cause significant damage. Control measures for cabbage loopers include handpicking and use of BT.
Regular scouting and monitoring of the crop can help identify pest and disease problems early and prompt management measures. It is important to follow integrated pest and disease management strategies that incorporate cultural, biological, and chemical control measures to effectively manage pests and diseases of Arabis arcuata var. secunda.
