Overview
Descurainia incana (Bernh. ex Fisch. & C.A. Mey.) Dorn ssp. procera (Greene) Kartesz & Gandhi, commonly known as Tall Tansy Mustard, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is a biennial plant that is native to North America.
Appearance
The plant can grow up to 1.2 meters tall with a spread of up to 60 cm. It has thin, branching stems that are green or grey-green. The leaves are pinnately divided into smaller leaflets that are linear to oblong in shape, and they have toothed margins. The leaves are also covered in fine hairs. The flowers are small and yellow, grouped into clusters at the ends of the branches, and they bloom from July until September. The fruit of the plant is a long, narrow, and curved seedpod that contains small black seeds.
Uses
The plant has a long history of traditional uses by Native American tribes. The leaves were used to make a tea that was believed to help with a variety of ailments, including coughs, colds, fevers, and pain. The seeds were also eaten as a food source. The plant is also used as a forage plant for livestock, as it is highly palatable and nutritious.
Descurainia incana has also been used as an herbal remedy in modern times. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may be used to help with joint pain and swelling. The plant may also have some antimicrobial properties and has been used to treat infections. However, more research is needed to fully understand the plant's medicinal properties and potential side effects.
Cultivation
The Tall Tansy Mustard plant is adaptive and can thrive in a variety of climates and soil types. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil but can tolerate some shade and poor soil conditions. The plant is also drought-tolerant once established. It can be grown from seed and is easy to propagate. The plant is considered to be a weed in some areas, so it may need to be controlled in certain situations.
In conclusion, Descurainia incana is a versatile plant with a rich history of traditional uses and potential medicinal properties. Its striking appearance makes it an attractive addition to any garden or landscape.Growth Conditions for Descurainia incana (Bernh. ex Fisch. & C.A. Mey.) Dorn ssp. procera (Greene) Kartesz & Gandhi
Descurainia incana ssp. procera is a hardy plant that can thrive in various conditions. Below are factors that determine the growth of the plant:
Light
The plant requires full sun exposure to grow optimally. This means it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature
Descurainia incana ssp. procera is a cool-season plant and can tolerate cold temperatures. However, it requires warm soil temperatures between 55°F-75°F for optimal germination.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils with a neutral to alkaline pH of between 6.5-8.5. It can also thrive in sandy soils, clay soils, and rocky soils. It is recommended to amend the soil with organic matter before planting as this can help improve soil structure and provide nutrients to the plant.
The plant is native to the western regions of North America and can be found growing on rocky slopes, hillsides, and plains. When provided with optimal light, temperature, and soil conditions, Descurainia incana ssp. procera can grow up to 1 meter in height and produce yellow blooms in the spring.
Cultivation Methods
Descurainia incana ssp. procera is a hardy plant species that prefers full sunlight and grows well in most soil conditions. However, it requires well-drained soil for optimal growth. It's best to sow the seeds directly in the garden during early spring when the soil is still moist. This plant species can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, so it's crucial to leave ample space when planting or transplanting. Ensure that the soil is loosened and weed-free before planting.
Watering Needs
Descurainia incana ssp. procera prefers regular watering but can tolerate drought conditions. During hot seasons, watering should be done once or twice a week. However, starting seedlings require more watering to establish root growth. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other water-borne diseases, so it's crucial to monitor the soil's moisture content.
Fertilization
This plant species does not require heavy feeding, but it can benefit from periodic fertilization. Using a balanced fertilizer with an NPK (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) ratio of 10-10-10 will suffice. Apply the fertilizer in early spring when the plant species begins growing. Alternatively, use organic fertilizers such as matured compost, bone meal, or fish emulsion liquid fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Descurainia incana ssp. procera as it tends to have a naturally branching and self-cleaning habit. However, removing spent flowers can prolong flowering. Additionally, removing overcrowded branches can encourage better branching and increase the number of flowering stems. Use sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts. Avoid pruning the plant severely as it can affect its growth and health.
Propagation methods for Descurainia incana ssp. procera:
Descurainia incana ssp. procera can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation through seeds:
The plant produces small, oval-shaped seeds that can be collected once they have ripened on the plant. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil in the fall or early spring. This method works best in areas with colder climates.
Before sowing, it is recommended to place the seeds in a refrigerator for a few weeks to mimic winter conditions, which helps break seed dormancy. Once the seeds are removed from the refrigerator, they can be sown in well-draining soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. The seeds will germinate once the soil temperature reaches around 70°F.
Propagation through cuttings:
Propagation through cuttings is another option for Descurainia incana ssp. procera. This method involves taking a cutting from a mature and healthy plant and rooting the cutting in soil or water.
To take a cutting, select a stem that is around 4-6 inches long and has several leaves. Using a sharp and clean pair of scissors or pruning shears, make a clean cut just below a node (the point where the leaf attaches to the stem). Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only a few at the top.
If rooting in soil, dip the cut end of the cutting into rooting hormone and then plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix. Water the cutting and cover it with a plastic bag or a clear plastic container to create a humid environment. Keep the cutting in a bright but indirect light and maintain soil moisture until roots develop.
If rooting in water, place the cutting in a glass or vase with enough water to cover the cut end of the stem. Change the water every few days to prevent bacterial growth and keep the cutting in a bright but indirect light. Once roots have developed, plant the cutting in soil.
Disease Management:
Descurainia incana (Bernh. ex Fisch. & C.A. Mey.) Dorn ssp. procera (Greene) Kartesz & Gandhi may be prone to several diseases which include:
- Clubroot: Clubroot is a disease caused by the Plasmodiophora brassicae pathogen. The disease manifests by producing swollen galls on roots. The best management method for clubroot is to avoid planting in soils where infected brassicas have grown in the past. Infected soil should be autoclaved, solarized, or fumigated with fungicides before planting. Crop rotation can also help break the disease cycle.
- Downy mildew: Downy mildew is caused by the fungus Peronospora parasitica. It is characterized by the growth of a grayish mold on the leaf undersides. Leaves may also yellow or drop prematurely. Management can be achieved through the use of resistant cultivars and fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. It appears initially as white or gray powdery colonizers on the surface of leaves, stems, and other plant parts. Control measures for powdery mildew include the use of resistant cultivars and fungicides.
Pest Management:
Descurainia incana (Bernh. ex Fisch. & C.A. Mey.) Dorn ssp. procera (Greene) Kartesz & Gandhi may also be affected by several pests, which include:
- Aphids: Aphids are sap-sucking insects that cause distorted growth, yellowing, and wilting. Management of aphids can be achieved through the use of biological control (predatory insects such as lacewings, ladybugs, and hoverflies), insecticidal soaps and oils, and chemical insecticides.
- Leaf miners: Leaf miners are small larvae that feed inside leaves, typically leaving serpentine trails. Management can be done through the use of biological control (parasitic wasps), cultural control (removal of affected leaves), and insecticides.
- Cabbage loopers: Cabbage loopers are larvae that feed on the leaves and cause holes in the foliage. Management can be done through the use of biological control (parasitic wasps) and insecticides.
