Descurainia incana var. viscosa: A Hardy and Versatile Plant
Descurainia incana var. viscosa, commonly known as gray tansy mustard or sticky tansy-mustard, is a flowering plant in the mustard family (Brassicaceae). The plant is native to North America, particularly in the western part of the continent, and can be found in diverse habitats such as grasslands, prairies, desert regions, and disturbed areas like roadsides and abandoned fields.
Appearance and Characteristics
The plant has a compact and bushy stature that can reach up to two feet in height. Its stems are thin and grayish-green, while its leaves are fern-like, pinnately divided, and coated with fine hairs that give the plant a sticky feeling. The plant's flowers, which bloom from spring to summer, are small and yellow, and arranged in elongated clusters that can be up to six inches long.
Descurainia incana var. viscosa is a hardy and adaptable plant that can tolerate a range of growing conditions, including drought, poor soil, and part to full sun exposure. Its ability to withstand harsh environments and grow in disturbed areas make it a valuable plant species for ecosystem restoration projects and erosion control.
Traditional Uses
Indigenous communities in North America have used Descurainia incana var. viscosa for medicinal and culinary purposes. The plant has been used to treat various ailments such as stomach issues, respiratory problems, and skin conditions. The plant's seeds, which have a pungent and bitter taste, have been used as a seasoning for salads and other dishes.
In addition to its medicinal and culinary uses, the plant has also been used to make dyes and can be used as a companion plant to deter pests, such as aphids, from invading gardens.
Conclusion
Descurainia incana var. viscosa is a versatile and valuable plant species that has been used for various purposes throughout history. Whether individuals seek to use it for ecological restoration, culinary, medicinal, or other traditional purposes, the plant remains a hardy and adaptable species that can be found across North America.
Light Requirements
Descurainia incana var. viscosa typically requires full sun exposure to grow properly. They can tolerate partial shade, but it may have an impact on their overall growth rate and flowering performance. Therefore, grow these plants in areas with bright direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures but prefers areas with hot days and cool nights. These plants are particularly tolerant of cold weather and can usually withstand temperatures as low as -18°C. However, they prefer to grow in areas with temperatures averaging 21°C. Therefore, it is best to plant these in areas with moderate temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Descurainia incana var. viscosa prefers fertile, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH level of 6.0 to 7.5. However, it can also grow in heavy clay soils with good drainage. Adding organic matter to the soil will improve its texture and increase its fertility. These plants are also drought-tolerant and can grow in arid regions with little water availability.
Cultivation Methods
Descurainia incana var. viscosa is a hardy plant that grows well in drought-prone, rocky, and arid habitats. To cultivate this plant, prepare a well-draining soil mix that comprises sand and loam and ensure that the soil pH is neutral. This plant thrives well in full sunlight; thus, it is best to plant it where it can receive six or more hours of direct sunlight per day.
Sow Descurainia incana var. viscosa seeds in sandy soil, ensuring that its seeds' depth is shallow, approximately 1/8-inch deep. The ideal germination temperature for this plant ranges from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and its seeds usually sprout within 7-14 days.
Watering Needs
Descurainia incana var. viscosa is considered a drought-tolerant plant, and unlike other plants that require regular watering, this plant can survive on minimal water. It is best to water this plant once per week during the growing season or only when the soil is dry to touch. Ensure that you do not overwater the plant as too much water may lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Descurainia incana var. viscosa prefers poor soils, and fertilization is not necessary. In case you need to fertilize the plant, use a slow-release fertilizer or a diluted liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Apply fertilizer once a month to avoid over-fertilization, which may lead to rapid growth and reduced production of flowers.
Pruning
Prune Descurainia incana var. viscosa after flowering to initiate a bushy growth habit and encourage prompt flower production the following year. Cut the plant's flowers back by half during the mid-summer season to promote a second round of blooms. Moreover, remove any dead or diseased branches anytime during the growing season to prevent the spread of the disease.
Propagation of Descurainia incana Bernh. ex Fisch. & C.A. Mey. Dorn var. viscosa Rydb. Dorn
Descurainia incana Bernh. ex Fisch. & C.A. Mey. Dorn var. viscosa Rydb. Dorn is a plant that can be propagated through different methods, including seed propagation, cuttings, and division. Here are some details on each propagation method:
Seed Propagation
The most common way to propagate Descurainia incana Bernh. ex Fisch. & C.A. Mey. Dorn var. viscosa Rydb. Dorn is through seeds. The seeds can be sowed directly into the soil or started indoors and then transplanted to their permanent location.
When sowing seeds directly into the soil, the best time to do it is during spring or fall. Seeds should be sowed at a depth of 1/8 to ¼ inches and should have a spacing of about 6 to 12 inches.
If starting seeds indoors, the best time to do it is in late winter, about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Seeds should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and placed in a sunny location. After germination, which usually takes 2 to 3 weeks, seedlings should be thinned to about 6 to 12 inches apart.
Cuttings Propagation
Descurainia incana Bernh. ex Fisch. & C.A. Mey. Dorn var. viscosa Rydb. Dorn can also be propagated through cuttings. This method is useful for those who want to produce plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant.
To propagate through cuttings, take cuttings from healthy stems in spring or summer, making sure they are about 4 to 6 inches long. Remove leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Place the cutting into a pot with a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist. After 2 to 3 weeks, the cutting should start to root and can then be transplanted to its permanent location.
Division Propagation
Division is another method used to propagate Descurainia incana Bernh. ex Fisch. & C.A. Mey. Dorn var. viscosa Rydb. Dorn. This method is best used for plants that are mature and need to be divided to help stimulate growth.
When dividing the plant, make sure to dig up the whole plant and separate it into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one shoot and one root system. Replant the sections into their permanent location and water thoroughly. It is best to divide the plant during the early spring or fall.
Through these propagation methods, it is possible to create new Descurainia incana Bernh. ex Fisch. & C.A. Mey. Dorn var. viscosa Rydb. Dorn plants from a parent plant. These methods can be employed for ornamental or agricultural purposes to create more plants that are genetically related or identical to the parent plant.
Disease Management
Descurainia incana var. viscosa is generally a hardy plant but is susceptible to certain diseases. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Downy Mildew
Downy mildew is a disease caused by a fungus-like organism that appears as yellow spots on leaves. The spots later become brown and cause leaves to die. To manage downy mildew, prevent high humidity by spacing plants properly, provide good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected leaves as soon as you notice them.
Rust
Rust is a fungal disease that appears as brown spots on leaves and stunted growth. To manage rust, remove infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and keep the plant foliage dry. Fungicides may also be used to treat rust, but consult with a professional before applying.
Pest Management
Besides diseases, pests also cause damage to Descurainia incana var. viscosa. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to curl, distort, and eventually drop. To manage aphids, rinse the plant with water or use insecticidal soap or oils. Ladybugs and lacewings also prey on aphids and can be introduced to the garden.
Cabbage Worms
Cabbage worms are the larvae of white butterflies that chew holes in leaves and leave green feces on the plant. To manage cabbage worms, remove them by hand or use a biological control such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or a combination of neem oil and insecticidal soap.
