Overview
Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. paysonii (Detling) Rollins, also known as payson's tansy-mustard, is a flowering annual herb belonging to the family Brassicaceae.
Origin
The plant is native to the western United States, particularly Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. It grows in dry, rocky habitats such as gravelly slopes, roadsides, and disturbed areas.
Common Names
Some of the common names for Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. paysonii (Detling) Rollins include payson's tansy-mustard, cut-leaf tansy-mustard, and incised tansy-mustard.
Uses
The plant has traditional medicinal uses among Native American tribes, who use it as a remedy for various ailments such as coughs, colds, and fever. The leaves and seeds of Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. paysonii (Detling) Rollins are also edible and can be used as a spice or added to salads. Additionally, the plant serves as a food source for livestock and wildlife.
Appearance
Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. paysonii (Detling) Rollins has thin, branched stems that can grow up to 40 centimeters in height. The leaves are feathery and deeply divided, with a bluish-green color, and are about 1-3 centimeters long. The plant produces small, yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer, followed by slender, cylindrical seedpods.
Light Requirements
Descurainia incisa ssp. paysonii typically grows in full sun. It is adapted to the high levels of sunlight and can tolerate hot and dry conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adapted to harsh environments such as the desert regions of the western United States and Mexico. It can survive both cold and hot temperature extremes, but prefers warm temperatures ranging from 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Descurainia incisa ssp. paysonii can grow on various soil types, including sandy, gravelly, and rocky soils. It thrives in well-drained soils that are slightly alkaline, with a pH ranging from 7.0 to 8.5. However, the plant can tolerate mildly acidic soils with a pH as low as 6.0.
Cultivation
Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. paysonii (Detling) Rollins is a low maintenance plant that can be grown in most types of soil. It is best suited for outdoor growing as it requires exposure to sunlight. The plant can be propagated by seeds, and its growth rate is slow to moderate.
Watering Needs
The plant has average watering needs and should be watered once a week in dry weather. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. The topsoil should be allowed to dry between watering to avoid over-moistening of the soil.
Fertilization
Fertilization is needed during the growing season, which is typically in the spring and summer. The plant should be fertilized every 6-8 weeks using a balanced fertilizer. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can cause the plant to become weak and leggy.
Pruning
Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. paysonii (Detling) Rollins does not require regular pruning. However, pruning can be done to shape the plant or to remove dead or damaged branches. Pruning should be done in early spring or late fall to avoid stressing the plant during its active growing season.
Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. paysonii (Detling) Rollins Propagation
Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. paysonii (Detling) Rollins, commonly known as Payson’s dwarf tansy mustard, is a plant native to the United States. It is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial that grows up to 1 foot tall and spreads up to 2 feet wide.
Propagation Methods
Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. paysonii (Detling) Rollins can be propagated through several methods:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. paysonii (Detling) Rollins is through seed propagation. Seeds should be collected in the fall, and stored in a cool, dry place until spring. In the spring, the seeds can be sown directly into the ground, or started indoors and transplanted outside when the seedlings are about 1 inch tall.
Division
Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. paysonii (Detling) Rollins can also be propagated through division. The plant should be divided in the spring when new growth begins to emerge. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the roots, making sure each division has a portion of the root system attached. Replant the divided sections in a location with well-draining soil.
Cuttings
Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. paysonii (Detling) Rollins can also be propagated through cuttings. Softwood cuttings taken in the spring or early summer are the most successful. Cut a 2- to 3-inch section of stem from the plant, making sure it has at least one node and a few leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a container filled with moist potting soil, and keep it in a warm, humid location until roots develop.
Overall, Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. paysonii (Detling) Rollins is a hardy plant that can be propagated through seed, division, or cuttings.
Disease Management
Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. paysonii (Detling) Rollins is a hardy and disease-resistant plant. However, like any other plant, it may develop some diseases under certain circumstances. The common diseases that can affect the plant include:
- Root rot
- Leaf spots
- Fungal infections
- Clubroot
To manage these diseases effectively, it is essential to keep the plant healthy and well-maintained. Here are some ways to manage them:
- Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf spots and fungal infections
- Use fungicides when necessary to control fungal infections
- Rotate crops to prevent clubroot
Pest Management
Descurainia incisa (Engelm.) Britt. ssp. paysonii (Detling) Rollins is relatively pest-resistant, but it may attract some pests, including:
- Aphids
- Cabbage loopers
- Cabbage worms
- Beetles
To manage these pests effectively, here are some helpful tips:
- Handpick the pests when you spot them to prevent an infestation
- Use insecticides when necessary to control the pest population
- Scout for pests regularly to detect them early and prevent further damage
