Origin
Descurainia paradisa (A. Nels. & Kennedy) O.E. Schulz ssp. paradisa, commonly known as canyon tansy-mustard, is a plant species that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. The plant is native to North America and can be found primarily in the Western United States and parts of Western Canada.
Common Names
The canyon tansy-mustard plant is commonly known as Paradise tansy-mustard, Canyon Tansy, and Yellow Top.
Uses
The plant produces tiny, yellow flowers that grow in clusters, forming a ball-shaped inflorescence. The flowers bloom from May to August. The plant is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as coughs, colds, and respiratory problems.
The plant is also used as a food source by Indigenous people. They harvest the seeds and use them in cooking. Canyon Tansy-Mustard is also a source of nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
General Appearance
Canyon Tansy-Mustard is a small shrub-like plant that grows 20-70cm tall. It has a woody base and stems that are branched with yellowish-green leaves. The leaves are pinnatifid or pinnately lobed, meaning they are divided into several small leaflets that point towards the stem. The leaves are covered in fine hairs, giving them a soft texture.
As the plant matures, it produces clusters of small buds that eventually bloom into tiny yellow flowers. The flowers have four petals and are arranged in a ball-shaped inflorescence. The plant produces long, thin seed pods that contain small, brown seeds.
Light Requirements
Descurainia paradisa is considered a sun-loving plant that requires full sun exposure to thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not produce as much foliage or flowers as it would in full sun. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Descurainia paradisa is a hardy perennial plant that is well-adapted to cold temperatures. It can grow in USDA hardiness zones 4-8, which means the plant can tolerate temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C). However, it also requires warmer temperatures during the growing season to produce flowers and seeds. The optimum temperature range for Descurainia paradisa is 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Soil Requirements
Descurainia paradisa grows best in well-drained soils with a neutral to alkaline pH (6.5-8.0). It can tolerate a wide range of soil textures, from sandy to clayey, as long as the soil is well-drained. This plant can also tolerate drought conditions once established, but it performs best when watered regularly. On the other hand, it does not do well in waterlogged or poorly drained soils, which can lead to root rot and other problems.
Cultivation Methods
Descurainia paradisa is a hardy plant that thrives in full sunlight and can tolerate heat and drought conditions. It is best grown in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Plant the seeds or cuttings in the soil during the spring months for better germination. Space the plants 12 to 18 inches apart to allow room for growth. Keep the soil moist during the growing period until the plant is fully established.Watering Needs
Descurainia paradisa requires moderate watering. Water the plant deeply and infrequently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The plant can tolerate dry soil but will require more watering during periods of drought. During the hot summer months, water the plant more frequently to keep the leaves from wilting. Avoid watering the plant in the late evening as the damp foliage can lead to fungal diseases.Fertilization
Descurainia paradisa is a low maintenance plant that does not require much fertilization. However, adding some compost or well-rotted manure to the soil during the growing period can boost plant growth. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, every four to six weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering.Pruning
Descurainia paradisa does not require much pruning. However, removing dead or diseased branches can help promote better airflow and prevent the spread of diseases. Prune the plant back after flowering to promote bushier growth and encourage a second blooming period. Pinch back the growing tips of the plant during the growing season to encourage branching and fuller growth.Propagation of Descurainia paradisa
Descurainia paradisa, commonly known as San Rafael desertparsley, is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. It is native to the western United States, particularly in the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau regions.
Propagation of Descurainia paradisa can be achieved through both seed and vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
Descurainia paradisa can be propagated from seeds, which can be collected from mature, dried fruit pods. The best time for seed collection is during the late summer or early fall when the plant has completed its flowering phase.
Before sowing, the seeds must be scarified to break their hard outer coating. This can be done by rubbing the seeds with a file or sandpaper or by soaking them in hot water for several hours. Scarification is necessary to increase the seed coat permeability and enhance germination rates.
The seeds can be sown directly in the field or in containers filled with well-draining soil. The ideal soil pH for Descurainia paradisa is around 7.0, and the soil should have good drainage to prevent waterlogging. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil, and the soil should be kept moist until germination.
Germination usually occurs within two to three weeks after sowing, and the seedlings can be transplanted to their final growing location once they have developed their second set of leaves.
Vegetative Propagation
Descurainia paradisa can also be propagated through vegetative methods. The plant can be divided in the spring or fall, and the divided sections can be transplanted to a new location. This method is beneficial for maintaining desirable genetic traits and for quickly propagating new plants with known characteristics.
The plant can also be propagated through stem cuttings, whereby a stem section is cut from the parent plant and rooted to form a new plant. This method requires careful attention to temperature and humidity to prevent the cuttings from drying out and promote root development. Typically, the best time for taking stem cuttings is in early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Overall, Descurainia paradisa can be effectively propagated through both seed and vegetative methods, providing options for growers to propagate desirable traits and quickly establish new plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Descurainia paradisa
Descurainia paradisa, commonly known as Canchalagua, is a hardy plant with few known disease and pest problems. However, it is still important to keep an eye out for any issues that may arise to ensure the plant remains healthy and productive.
Common Pests
The primary pests that may affect D. paradisa include spider mites and aphids. These insects can cause damage by feeding on the plant's leaves, which can lead to stunted growth or even death in severe cases.
To manage spider mites and aphids, an insecticide can be used. Alternatively, natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced to the environment to help control their populations.
Common Diseases
Fungal infections such as powdery mildew and rust can occasionally affect D. paradisa. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery substance on the plant's leaves and stems, and rust causes orange or brown spots to appear on the foliage.
To manage fungal infections, it is important to promptly remove any affected leaves or stems and dispose of them. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the infection.
Overall, proper sanitation practices and regular inspections are key to maintaining the health of D. paradisa. With proper care, this plant can thrive for many years without significant disease or pest problems.
