Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. drepanoloba (Greene) Rollins
Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. drepanoloba (Greene) Rollins, commonly known as Lemmon's rockcress, is a flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae. It is a relatively small plant, growing only up to 20 cm tall, and is native to rocky areas and slopes in the western United States.
General Appearance
The plant has basal leaves that are spatulate in shape, with toothed edges and covered in dense hairs. The stem leaves are smaller and more lanceolate in shape. The flowers are white to pinkish in color and small, with four petals and six stamens. The fruit is a long, narrow capsule containing numerous seeds.
Common Names
Lemmon's rockcress, the common name for Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. drepanoloba (Greene) Rollins, is named after John Gill Lemmon, an American botanist and horticulturist who discovered the plant in the late 1800s. Other common names for this plant include Lemmon's arabis and scythe-leaved rockcress.
Uses
Lemmon's rockcress is primarily grown for ornamental purposes, and it is commonly used in rock gardens and borders. In addition, the dried leaves of the plant can be used to create a medicinal tea that is thought to help treat various ailments, including coughs and sore throats. However, caution should be exercised when using any herbal remedy, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended.
Growth Conditions for Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. drepanoloba (Greene) Rollins
Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. drepanoloba (Greene) Rollins, commonly known as Lemmon's rockcress, is a small perennial plant that is native to the western parts of North America. It is commonly found in rocky areas, along streams, and in alpine habitats at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 meters.
Light Requirements
Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. drepanoloba requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. When grown in full sun, the plant produces more flowers and has a compact growth habit. However, in areas with intense sunlight, it is best to provide partial shade during the hottest hours of the day. In contrast, insufficient light can lead to stunted growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This species prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate freezing temperatures. The plant grows best in regions with a cool, temperate climate, and it may not thrive in hot, humid climates. During the summer, when the temperature rises, providing partial shade can help prevent heat stress, which is essential for the plant's survival.
Soil Requirements
Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. drepanoloba prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should range between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant will not tolerate wet or poorly drained soils, which can cause root rot. In rocky areas, where the plant usually grows, the soil is often shallow, and it is recommended to amend the soil with organic matter such as compost to enhance the plant's growth potential.
Cultivation of Arabis Lemmonii S. Wats. var. Drepanoloba (Greene) Rollins
Arabis Lemmonii S. Wats. var. Drepanoloba (Greene) Rollins, commonly known as the Lemmon’s rockcress, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to western America. They grow to a height of 30-50cm with a spread of 20-30cm. This plant prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter, and they thrive in areas with full sun to partial shade.
Watering Needs
Lemmon’s rockcresses require moderate watering. During summer, the plant should be watered once a day to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. In winter, watering should be reduced to avoid waterlogging. It is important to note that excessive watering can lead to root rot and eventually kill the plant.
Fertilization
This plant requires moderate fertilization. Fertilize during the growing season, from spring to summer, with a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize every two weeks to boost the plant’s growth. To avoid over-fertilization, dilute the fertilizer to half its strength before applying it.
Pruning
Pruning should be done in late winter just before the growing season begins. Cut back the plant to their basal rosettes, to promote the plant’s growth and development. Deadheading, the removal of spent flowers, is also recommended. Deadheading encourages the plant to produce more blooms and diverts its energy away from seed production. When using a pruning tool, always ensure that it is sterilized to avoid introducing unwanted bacteria or pests into the plant.
Propagation of Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. drepanoloba (Greene) Rollins
Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. drepanoloba (Greene) Rollins can be propagated by various methods such as seed propagation, stem cuttings, and division.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. drepanoloba (Greene) Rollins can be collected from the mother plant after the pods have dried on the plant. The seeds can be sown in a tray with well-draining soil mix in fall or spring. The tray should be kept moist and in a shaded spot. The seeds will take about 2-4 weeks to germinate. Once the seedlings reach about 2 inches in height, they can be transplanted into individual containers and placed in a sunny area. The seedlings can be planted in the garden after they have grown to be about 6 inches tall.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from a healthy branch about 6 inches in length and should be removed from the lower half of the stem. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The pot should be kept moist and placed in a shaded spot. The cuttings will take about 4-6 weeks to root. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual containers and placed in a sunny area. The plants can be planted in the garden after they have grown to be about 6 inches tall.
Division
Division can be done in the fall or early spring when the plant is dormant. The plant should be lifted carefully from the soil and the root ball can be divided into smaller sections. Each section should have a few healthy shoots and roots. The sections should be replanted in well-draining soil mix and kept moist. The plants can be placed in a shaded spot until new growth appears. Once the new growth appears, they can be transplanted to individual containers and placed in a sunny area. The plants can be planted in the garden after they have grown to be about 6 inches tall.
Disease and Pest Management for Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. drepanoloba (Greene) Rollins
Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. drepanoloba (Greene) Rollins is a resilient and low-maintenance plant, but like any other plant, it is prone to certain diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
One of the common diseases that can affect Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. drepanoloba is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, prune any infected branches, and destroy them immediately to avoid further contamination. You can also use a fungicide to treat the plant.
Another disease that can affect Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. drepanoloba is anthracnose. Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. The infected parts of the plant will have brown or black spots. To manage this disease, prune any infected branches and burn them. You can also use a fungicide to treat the plant.
Pests
One of the common pests that can harm Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. drepanoloba is aphids. Aphids are tiny insects that suck sap from the plant, weakening it and making it more susceptible to diseases. You can manage aphids by washing them off the plant with a strong jet of water. Alternatively, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the aphid population.
Another pest that can harm Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. drepanoloba is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny red or yellow insects that thrive in hot and dry environments. They suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to turn brown and dry out. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to increase the humidity, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the mites.
By keeping an eye out for these common diseases and pests and taking appropriate action, you can ensure that Arabis lemmonii S. Wats. var. drepanoloba thrives in your garden. Regular maintenance and a healthy growing environment can go a long way in keeping your plants disease and pest-free.
