Overview
Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. filipes (Gray) Rollins, commonly known as Cutleaf Tansy Mustard, is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Brassicaceae. This plant is native to both North and Central America, and it is known for its various medicinal uses.Appearance
The Cutleaf Tansy Mustard plant has a distinctive appearance, growing up to 1.2 meters tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 meters. The plant has a basal rosette of finely divided leaves, while the upper leaves are pinnately divided. The flowers of this plant are small and yellow in color, with four petals each, blooming from spring to fall. The plant also produces elongated fruits containing small seeds.Uses
The Cutleaf Tansy Mustard plant has been used for various medicinal purposes, particularly in Native American medicine. The leaves and seeds of this plant have been used to treat fever, respiratory problems, digestive issues, and as a diuretic. Additionally, the plant has been used to treat headaches and as a natural insect repellent. In modern medicine, this plant is still being studied for its potential effects on cancer cells.Cultural Significance
Cutleaf Tansy Mustard has been used in various Native American cultures for its medicinal properties. The Navajo used the plant to treat respiratory problems, while the Zuni used the plant to treat digestive issues. The Shoshone and Paiute tribes used the plant as a natural insect repellent. Today, the plant is still used in traditional medicine and is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.Growth Conditions for Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. filipes (Gray) Rollins
Light: This plant grows well in full sunlight and can tolerate partial shade. It requires bright light for optimal growth and seed production.
Temperature: Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. filipes (Gray) Rollins is adapted to harsh, arid environments and can withstand extreme temperatures. It can grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9 and can survive temperatures ranging from -40°F (-40°C) to 100°F (38°C).
Soil: This plant is adaptable to a range of soil types but prefers well-draining soils with a neutral to alkaline pH (7.0-8.5). It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils as long as they are not waterlogged. It is often found growing in disturbed environments such as roadsides, fields, and open areas.
Water: Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. filipes (Gray) Rollins is drought-tolerant and can survive in low moisture environments. However, it still requires some water to grow and produce seeds. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.
Nutrients: This plant does not require high levels of nutrients to grow. It can grow in nutrient-poor soils and is adapted to low-nutrient environments. However, adding organic matter to the soil can improve its growth and overall health.
Growing Season: In its native habitat, Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. filipes (Gray) Rollins typically grows from early spring to late fall, with peak growth occurring in the summer. It is an annual or biennial plant, depending on the growing conditions and can produce seeds in the first or second year of growth depending on the region and environmental conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. filipes (Gray) Rollins is a hardy plant that grows well in most soil types. It prefers a well-draining soil with a slightly alkaline pH of around 7.5, but it can also tolerate soils with pH levels as low as 6.0. The plant is tolerant of drought and can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for cultivation in arid and semi-arid regions. To cultivate Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. filipes (Gray) Rollins, start by preparing a bed or container with well-draining soil. Sow the seeds in early spring after the last frost and cover them with a thin layer of soil. The seeds will germinate within two to three weeks. Thin the seedlings to allow for proper spacing, and keep the soil moist until the plants are established.Watering Needs
Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. filipes (Gray) Rollins is drought-tolerant, but it still requires some watering to thrive. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering to once every two weeks during the dormant season. Water the plant early in the day to prevent fungal growth and avoid wetting the leaves.Fertilization
Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. filipes (Gray) Rollins does not require fertilization to grow well, but it will benefit from regular applications of a well-balanced fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer once a month during the growing season, using a low-nitrogen fertilizer to avoid stimulating excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowering.Pruning
Pruning is not required for Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. filipes (Gray) Rollins since it is a self-seeding plant that produces a bushy growth habit without intervention. However, pruning can help maintain the plant's shape and promote fuller growth. Prune the plant in early spring before new growth appears, using sterilized pruning shears to prevent the spread of disease. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and thin out any overcrowded growth to allow for better air circulation.Propagation of Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. filipes (Gray) Rollins
Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. filipes (Gray) Rollins can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. The plant is an annual or biennial, meaning that it completes its life cycle within one or two years, respectively. This factor must be taken into account when selecting a propagation method.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating D. incisa ssp. filipes. Seeds should be collected when the plant's seeds have ripened, and the seedpods have turned brownish or grayish. The seeds should then be stored in a cool and dry place until planting season arrives. The best time for seed sowing is in spring or fall.
Before planting, the seed should be scarified or scratched to break its outer covering. This process will help the seed to germinate faster. The seed can then be sown directly onto the soil. The ideal soil type for planting D. incisa ssp. filipes is well-drained sandy loam. A thin layer of sand can be added on top of the soil to help prevent the seed from drying out.
The seeds should be watered regularly until they germinate, which typically takes 7 to 21 days. Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be thinned out to avoid overcrowding. The ideal spacing for the plant is 6-12 inches apart.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation, such as stem cutting, is not commonly used for D. incisa ssp. filipes due to the plant's short lifespan. However, if propagation by division is desired, it can be done by dividing mature plants. Carefully dig up the plant's root system and divide it into sections, making sure each section has enough roots and shoots to ensure survival. The plant can then be re-planted in the desired location.
Disease Management
Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. filipes (Gray) Rollins can be affected by various plant diseases such as:
- Viral diseases: The mosaic virus, cucumber mosaic virus, and the beet western yellows virus can be problematic to D. incisa, resulting in deformed leaves and stunted growth.
- Fungal diseases: Powdery mildew, rust, and damping-off can affect D. incisa. These diseases can cause blemishes on leaves and reduce plant vigor.
It's essential to take proactive measures to prevent these diseases from affecting D. incisa. The following are some ways to manage plant diseases:
- Sanitation: Ensure the planting area is clean and free from debris. Also, discard any infected plant debris properly to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Planting resistant cultivars: Consider planting D. incisa cultivars that are resistant to diseases.
- Proper watering: Avoid overwatering or underwatering D. incisa as this can cause stress reducing the plant's ability to resist diseases.
- Fungicides: Use fungicides to treat infected D. incisa plants. Copper-based fungicides are effective against many plant diseases.
- Biological control: You can also use biological control agents such as Bacillus subtilis to suppress diseases by competing with pathogens for resources.
Pest Management
D. incisa is prone to pest infestation, with the most common pests being:
- Aphids: Aphids can feed on D. incisa's leaves, stunting their growth and cause leaf curling.
- Spider mites: Spider mite infestation causes yellowing of the leaves, wilting, and in severe cases, defoliation.
The following are ways you can control pest infestations on D. incisa:
- Manual removal: Remove pests by picking them off with your fingers or using a strong blast of water to dislodge them from the plant.
- Biological control: Using beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings to control aphids and spider mites is an effective biological control method.
- Chemical control: Use insecticides such as pyrethrum or neem oil to control pests. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using chemical pesticides.