Overview
Armoracia lacustris (Gray) Al-Shehbaz & Bates, commonly known as lakecress or watercress, is a perennial plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. It is a close relative of the more commonly known garden cress and watercress, and is native to North America.
Appearance
Lakecress is a low growing plant that typically reaches a height of 10-20cm. It has a sprawling growth habit, producing multiple branching stems that can spread up to 1 meter. The leaves are compound and form rosettes at the base of the plant. The individual leaflets are oval-shaped and have a toothed margin. The flowers are white and appear in short racemes at the end of the stems, blooming from May to July.
Uses
Lakecress has a long history of use as a medicinal plant by indigenous peoples of North America. It was used to treat a variety of ailments, including coughs, colds, and stomach complaints. The plant contains high levels of vitamin C, iron, and calcium, and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lakecress is also edible and has a pungent, spicy flavor that is similar to horseradish. It can be used fresh or cooked in salads, sandwiches, soups, and sauces. The plant's roots are particularly rich in essential oils, making them a prized ingredient in traditional condiments, such as horseradish sauce and mustard.
Today, lakecress is cultivated for its culinary and medicinal uses, and is often found growing wild in wetland areas and along streams and riverbanks.
Light Requirements
Armoracia lacustris typically grows in areas with partial to full sunlight. It can survive in areas with less sun exposure but may not grow as vigorously. Therefore, it is best to plant this species in locations that receive at least partial sun exposure to ensure optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species thrives in cool and damp environments. Ideal temperatures for growth typically range between 50°F and 70°F. The plants can tolerate colder temperatures of up to 20°F but may die during extended periods of freezing weather.
Soil Requirements
Armoracia lacustris thrives in moist, well-draining soils. It prefers soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH range, typically between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter. While this species can tolerate mildly acidic soils, it does not grow well in heavy clay soils or poorly-draining soils.
Cultivation Methods
Armoracia lacustris, commonly known as lakecress or watercress, is a semi-aquatic perennial herb belonging to the Brassicaceae family. In terms of cultivation, lakecress prefers a sunny spot with moist soil where it can grow roots in the water. This plant can be grown from seed or transplanted in the early spring season.
Watering Needs
The watercress plant is characterized by its high water needs. It prefers soil that is consistently moist but not waterlogged. You can ensure that the plant has enough water by keeping its pot or the growing area submerged in water and changing the water every couple of days to prevent stagnation. Alternatively, you can use a drip irrigation system or manually sprinkle the plant with water every day.
Fertilization
As a water-loving plant, lakecress requires regular fertilization to thrive. You can feed it with a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks to promote growth and development. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can lead to stunted growth or even death.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of caring for Armoracia lacustris. Regular pruning encourages bushy growth and prevents the plant from becoming too leggy or top-heavy. You should pinch off the plant's growing tips regularly to encourage lateral growth. Additionally, removing old or yellow leaves can help maintain the plant's health and appearance.
Propagation of Armoracia lacustris
Armoracia lacustris, commonly known as the lake or water horseradish, can be propagated using different methods, including seed propagation, division, and root cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Armoracia lacustris can be collected from the plant after flowering. The seeds are then sown in a seedbed outdoors during the autumn season. The seedbed should be well-prepared, with the soil being tilled and mixed with compost or fertilizer. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1 cm and spaced about 15 cm apart.
The seedling should be protected from frost during the winter season as they start growing the following spring. When the seedlings are about 10 cm tall, they can be transplanted into their permanent position in well-drained soil, with a pH level of about 6.0 to 7.5.
Division
Division is one of the easiest and quickest ways to propagate Armoracia lacustris. To do this, dig up the mature plant and remove the excess soil to expose the roots. The roots should then be gently separated into smaller sections, making sure that each section has a healthy crown and roots attached to it.
The divided sections can then be replanted in a new location, making sure that the soil is well-prepared and fertile. The plants should be spaced about 45 cm apart and watered immediately after planting.
Root Cuttings
Root cuttings are another way to propagate Armoracia lacustris. The process involves digging up a mature plant, removing the bottom part of the root, and cutting the rest into smaller portions, each about 5 cm long.
The cuttings should then be planted in a well-prepared soil, with a spacing of about 30 cm between them and a depth of about 5 cm. The soil should be kept moist through regular watering until the cuttings have developed a root system and start to show new growth.
With proper care and maintenance, Armoracia lacustris can be easily propagated using any of these methods, providing a steady supply of fresh horseradish roots for culinary and medicinal purposes.
Disease and Pest Management for Armoracia lacustris
Armoracia lacustris, commonly known as lakecress or watercress, is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can negatively affect its growth and development. To keep the plant healthy, disease and pest management strategies must be put in place.
Common Diseases Affecting Armoracia lacustris
One of the most common diseases affecting Armoracia lacustris is the downy mildew caused by the fungus Peronospora investita. Symptoms of downy mildew include yellowing and wilting of the leaves, as well as the development of a white or grayish coating underneath the leaves. To manage downy mildew, it is advisable to plant resistant species, practice crop rotation, and use fungicides such as copper-based products.
Another disease that can affect Armoracia lacustris is bacterial leaf spot caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. The symptoms of bacterial leaf spot include the development of water-soaked spots on the leaves, which later turn yellow and brown. To manage bacterial leaf spot, it is advisable to remove all infected plants, practice proper sanitation practices, and use copper-based fungicides.
Common Pests Affecting Armoracia lacustris
One of the most common pests affecting Armoracia lacustris is the flea beetle. Flea beetles feed on the leaves of the plant, leading to the development of numerous small holes that can stunt the growth of the plant. To manage flea beetles, it is advisable to practice crop rotation, plant resistant species, and use insecticides such as neem oil or pyrethrins.
Another pest that can affect Armoracia lacustris is the cabbage worm. These pests feed on the leaves of the plant, resulting in visible holes and discoloration. To manage cabbage worms, it is advisable to use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad, which are organic insecticides that target caterpillars specifically.
In conclusion, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to disease and pest management for Armoracia lacustris. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a healthy garden environment by practicing proper sanitation practices, watering appropriately, and using appropriate fertilizers.
