Descurainia brachycarpa (Richards.) O.E. Schulz var. nelsonii (Rydb.) O.E. Schulz
Origin: Descurainia brachycarpa (Richards.) O.E. Schulz var. nelsonii (Rydb.) O.E. Schulz, commonly known as the Nelson's Tansy Mustard, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in states such as Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, and Utah.
Common Names: The Nelson's Tansy Mustard has several common names including Nelson's desertparsley, Nelson's tansymustard, and Nelson's mustard.
Uses: The plant has various medicinal uses. The roots and seeds have been used by indigenous people for treating respiratory diseases, as well as rheumatism, fever, and coughs. The plant contains glucosinolates, which have been studied for their potential use in cancer prevention.
General Appearance: The Nelson's Tansy Mustard is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 60 cm in height. It has small yellow flowers that bloom from April to June. The leaves are pinnately divided and covered in fine hairs. The plant produces long, thin pods that contain the seeds.
Light Requirements
Descurainia brachycarpa var. nelsonii requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade but may not flower as profusely.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adapted to thrive in dry and hot conditions. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from as low as -23°C (-9°F) to as high as 38°C (100°F). However, it is important to note that severe frost can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
Descurainia brachycarpa var. nelsonii prefers well-drained soils, including rocky, sandy or clay loams. It can tolerate low fertility, alkaline soil and dry conditions. The plant is well adapted to grow in desert and semi-desert habitats.
Cultivation Methods
Descurainia brachycarpa var. nelsonii can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8 and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-draining soils and doesn't tolerate wet conditions for extended periods. The plant can be propagated through seeds, which need to be sown in the spring or fall. The soil should be moist, and the seeds should be at a depth of about 1/8 inch. Germination can take up to 21 days, and the seedlings should be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart.
Watering Needs
Descurainia brachycarpa var. nelsonii needs moderate watering, and it's essential to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. During the growing season, the plant should be watered once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch. It's best to water in the morning to allow the foliage to dry before nightfall.
Fertilization
Descurainia brachycarpa var. nelsonii doesn't require much fertilization. However, a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring can be beneficial. A high-nitrogen fertilizer is best avoided as it can promote excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning
Descurainia brachycarpa var. nelsonii is a low-maintenance plant that doesn't require much pruning. However, it can benefit from deadheading, which is the removal of spent flowers. Deadheading can encourage the plant to produce more flowers. Additionally, pruning can be done in early spring before new growth begins to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches.
Propagation of Descurainia brachycarpa var. nelsonii
Descurainia brachycarpa var. nelsonii, commonly known as Nelson's desertparsley, is a plant native to the western United States.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Descurainia brachycarpa var. nelsonii is through seed. The seeds can be collected from mature plants in the late summer or fall when they have turned brown and are fully ripe.
Before planting, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat and improve germination. They can then be sown directly into well-draining soil in the fall or early spring.
Cuttings
Descurainia brachycarpa var. nelsonii can be propagated through stem cuttings, although this method is less common than seed propagation. Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in the summer can be rooted in a well-draining potting mix with the use of a rooting hormone.
Once the cuttings have developed roots, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Pest and Disease Management for Descurainia brachycarpa var. nelsonii
Descurainia brachycarpa var. nelsonii is a hardy, drought-resistant plant that is relatively immune to pests and diseases. However, it can still fall prey to certain ailments, which can harm its growth and yield. As a gardener, it is essential to know about these pests and diseases and take proactive steps to manage them.
Pests that affect Descurainia brachycarpa var. nelsonii and their management
The following are pests that can affect Descurainia brachycarpa var. nelsonii and some solutions to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are tiny insects that feed on plant sap and can weaken the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. They can also transmit viruses from one plant to another. You can control aphids by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Alternatively, you can introduce natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps to keep the aphid population in check.
Cabbage loopers
Cabbage loopers are caterpillars that feed on the leaves of plants, causing unsightly holes. You can control cabbage loopers by spraying the plant with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacterial insecticide that targets caterpillars. You can also introduce natural predators like birds, praying mantises, or nematodes to keep the cabbage looper population in check.
Diseases that affect Descurainia brachycarpa var. nelsonii and their management
The following are diseases that can affect Descurainia brachycarpa var. nelsonii and some solutions to manage them:
Rust
Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange-yellow blisters to form on the plant's leaves. It can weaken the plant and reduce its yield. You can control rust by spraying the plant with a fungicide like sulfur or copper-based spray. Ensure that you spray both the top and bottom of the leaves for maximum effectiveness. Additionally, you can control the spread of rust by removing and destroying infected leaves and avoiding overhead watering.
Clubroot
Clubroot is a soil-borne disease caused by a fungus that affects the plant's roots, causing them to become swollen and deformed. This disease can lead to stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing of leaves. You can control clubroot by planting resistant cultivars, avoiding planting in infected soil, and practicing crop rotation. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed, and the soil should be treated with lime to raise its pH level and reduce the spread of the fungus.
By taking these pest and disease management measures, you can ensure that your Descurainia brachycarpa var. nelsonii plant grows and thrives well.
