Description
Arabis fernaldiana Rollins var. stylosa (S. Wats.) Rollins is a flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to the Western United States and Mexico, where it grows in rocky or sandy soils, particularly in arid environments.
Common Names
Arabis fernaldiana Rollins var. stylosa has several common names, including Fernald rockcress, rockcress, and Fernald's rock mustard. It is also known as Stylosa rockcress due to its characteristic long and slender styles.
Appearance
The plant is a low-growing perennial that reaches a height of 5-25 cm. The stems are woody at the base and have a few branches. The leaves are small, narrow, and elongated, with toothed margins and a waxy texture that helps it retain moisture in arid conditions.
The plant produces small, white or pinkish flowers that are arranged in a raceme at the top of the stem. The flowers have four petals and are about 4-8 mm in diameter. The fruit is a long, narrow capsule, which contains the seeds.
Uses
Arabis fernaldiana Rollins var. stylosa has no known significant medicinal or economic uses. However, it is an ornamental plant that is occasionally used in rock gardens, xeriscapes, and other arid landscaping schemes.
The plant also provides food and habitat for certain pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which are attracted to its small flowers. As a native plant, it also plays a vital role in the ecological balance of its natural habitat by preventing soil erosion and providing microhabitats for other organisms.
Light Requirements
The Arabis fernaldiana Rollins var. stylosa (S. Wats.) Rollins plant typically requires full sun to partial shade. When grown in full sun, this plant tends to have a more compact habit with more blooms. However, it can also tolerate partial shade and will still produce flowers but with a looser growth habit.
Temperature Requirements
The Arabis fernaldiana Rollins var. stylosa (S. Wats.) Rollins plant prefers cool to moderate temperatures. In its natural habitat, it grows mostly in high elevations and exposed rocky areas where temperatures are cool. It can tolerate occasional freezes and frosts, making it an ideal plant for gardens in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
Soil Requirements
The Arabis fernaldiana Rollins var. stylosa (S. Wats.) Rollins plant prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matters such as compost or well-rotted manure. The pH range should be between 5.5 to 7.0. They can grow in rocky, sandy or loamy soils but do not tolerate heavy, clayey soils or waterlogged growing conditions.
Cultivation
Arabis fernaldiana Rollins var. stylosa (S. Wats.) Rollins prefers well-draining soil and a location that receives full sun exposure. The plant is tolerant of a wide range of soil pH levels.
Watering
Arabis fernaldiana Rollins var. stylosa (S. Wats.) Rollins requires weekly watering, but this is subject to change depending on climate and soil conditions. It is vital to avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the spring season to improve plant growth and development. Additional fertilization may be required, depending on soil quality and growing conditions, but it is crucial not to over-fertilize, as this can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain Arabis fernaldiana Rollins var. stylosa (S. Wats.) Rollins's shape and appearance. It is best to prune the plant in the late spring season once the blooming period has finished. Deadheading spent blooms may also encourage additional blossoming.
Propagation of Arabis fernaldiana Rollins var. stylosa (S. Wats.) Rollins Plant
Arabis fernaldiana Rollins var. stylosa (S. Wats.) Rollins is commonly propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. Propagation is generally done during the spring season when the plant is in an active growing phase.
Sexual Propagation
Arabis fernaldiana Rollins var. stylosa (S. Wats.) Rollins is a self-fertile plant and can produce seeds without external pollination. The seed pods of the plant should be harvested after they turn brown and begin to open up. The seeds are then extracted from the seed pod and stored in a cool and dry place for future use.
Asexual Propagation
Arabis fernaldiana Rollins var. stylosa (S. Wats.) Rollins can also be propagated through vegetative means using stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings should be taken during the spring season when the plant is in an active growing phase. A 4-6 inch section of the stem should be cut and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm and humid environment until roots start to form.
Division can also be used to propagate this plant. In the spring season, the plant can be lifted from the soil, and the root ball can be separated into smaller sections. These sections can be planted in different locations and should be watered regularly until they have established new roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Arabis fernaldiana Rollins var. stylosa (S. Wats.) Rollins
Arabis fernaldiana Rollins var. stylosa (S. Wats.) Rollins, commonly known as Fernald's rockcress, is a hardy and adaptable plant that can tolerate a variety of growing conditions. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some common disease and pest management techniques for this plant:
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affects Arabis fernaldiana is powdery mildew. This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can also cause stunted growth and reduced yield. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to keep the plant's foliage dry by watering at the base of the plant rather than overhead. In severe cases, fungicides may be necessary.
Another disease that can affect Arabis fernaldiana is leaf spot. This fungal disease causes yellowing or browning of the foliage and can also cause the leaves to drop prematurely. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove infected leaves as soon as they appear and to avoid overhead watering. In severe cases, fungicides may be necessary.
Common Pests
The most common pest that affects Arabis fernaldiana is the aphid. These small insects can cause distorted growth and reduce the plant's yield. To manage aphids, it is important to monitor the plant regularly and to remove any infested leaves or stems. In severe cases, insecticidal soap or neem oil may be necessary.
Another pest that can affect Arabis fernaldiana is the cabbage worm. These small green caterpillars can eat large holes in the plant's foliage and can also feed on the developing buds and flowers. To manage cabbage worms, it is important to monitor the plant regularly and to remove any infested leaves or stems. In severe cases, sprays containing Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) may be necessary.
By following these disease and pest management techniques, you can help ensure that your Arabis fernaldiana Rollins var. stylosa (S. Wats.) Rollins plants remain healthy and productive.
