Descurainia paradisa (A. Nels. & Kennedy) O.E. Schulz: Overview
Descurainia paradisa (A. Nels. & Kennedy) O.E. Schulz, commonly known as canyon tansy mustard, is a hardy flowering plant that belongs to the crucifer family (Brassicaceae). It is a native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, and is commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions.
Appearance
The canyon tansy mustard is an annual herb that typically grows up to 40 cm in height. It has a highly branched and slendr stem, covered in fine hairs, with a rosette of basal leaves at the bottom. The leaves are deeply divided into pinnately lobed and are covered in hairs, usually measuring between 1-4 cm in length. The small, yellow flowers are arranged in a raceme of up to 20 flowers.
Common Names
In addition to canyon tansy mustard, this plant is also known by other common names such as scorpionweed, tansy mustard, and yellow mustard.
Uses
The canyon tansy mustard has been traditionally used for a variety of medicinal purposes such as treating coughs, colds, pneumonia, sore throats, and other respiratory ailments. The plant's seeds can also be used to make oil that is rich in essential fatty acids and has been used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Today, the plant is mainly used for erosion control and as a forage crop for livestock. The seeds are also collected and used for seed banking and restoration of damaged ecosystems.
Overall, Descurainia paradisa (A. Nels. & Kennedy) O.E. Schulz is a versatile plant that has played an important role in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico for centuries. Despite its hardy nature, the plant's contribution to medicinal and ecological practices cannot be overstated.Light Requirements
Descurainia paradisa is a sun-loving plant and requires full sun to grow, thrive, and produce flowers and seeds. The plant is adapted to intensive sunlight and can tolerate high levels of radiation without damage. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Descurainia paradisa grows well in areas where the temperature ranges between 17°C to 26°C (63°F to 79°F) during the day and 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) at night. However, it can tolerate some extremes of temperature and still survive, making it grow in a wide range of climatic conditions.
Soil Requirements
Descurainia paradisa grows well in well-drained, sandy, and loamy soils. It thrives in soils rich in nutrients, organic matter, and water, but should not be planted in soils with poor drainage. The plant is tolerant to drought, but for optimal growth, it requires sufficient moisture in the soil for good germination and growth. Neutral to alkaline soils with pH between 6.0-8.0 are optimal for the plant to grow.
Cultivation Methods
Descurainia paradisa is an annual or biennial herb widely found in arid or semiarid regions. The plant is relatively hardy and can adapt to different soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils.
The ideal climate for growing Descurainia paradisa is dry with warm temperatures ranging from 15-30°C. The plant requires exposure to direct sunlight to grow and develop well, making it an ideal plant for outdoor cultivation.
The seeds should be sown in the soil four weeks before the last expected frost. The soil should be tilled up to a depth of 6-8 inches; then, the seeds should be sprinkled uniformly on the soil surface. Cover the seed with a thin layer of soil, water them gently, and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
Watering Needs
Descurainia paradisa requires moderate watering, and it's essential to ensure the soil doesn't become waterlogged. Watering should be done when the soil is dry, and the amount of water applied should be sufficient to moisten the soil up to the root zone.
It's advisable to water early in the morning or late in the evening and avoid watering during the hottest parts of the day to prevent scorching of the leaves.
Fertilization
Descurainia paradisa doesn't require too much fertilization, and the plant can do well in low-nutrient soils. However, adding compost or well-rotted manure before planting can improve soil fertility and enhance plant growth.
When using commercial fertilizers, it's advisable to use balanced fertilizers with an N:P:K ratio of 10:10:10. Fertilization should be done sparingly to avoid burning the roots, and application rates should be as per the instructions on the label.
Pruning
Descurainia paradisa doesn't require extensive pruning, and it's advisable only to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches and leaves.
Cut the damaged branches slightly above the node using sharp and clean pruning shears. Avoid pruning the plant when it's wet, and disinfect the pruning shears by wiping them with alcohol after use to avoid spreading diseases to other plants.
Propagation of Descurainia paradisa
Descurainia paradisa, commonly known as mountain tansy mustard, is a flowering plant native to North America. The plant can reach a height of up to 60 cm and has yellow flowers that bloom from April to July.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Descurainia paradisa is through seeds. The plant produces seeds in abundance, which can be collected from mature plants in the fall. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil in the early spring, either indoors or directly in the garden bed. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch and keep the soil evenly moist. Germination should occur within 7-14 days.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation of Descurainia paradisa can also be done through stem cuttings, although it is not as common as seed propagation. Cuttings taken in the early spring from a healthy plant should be about 3-4 inches long and should include a few leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and provide low to moderate light. Rooting should occur within 3-4 weeks.
Division Propagation
Division of mature Descurainia paradisa plants can also be used to propagate the plant. Wait until the plant is at least three years old and has developed a strong root system. In the fall, dig up the plant and divide it into several smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a healthy root system. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil, water thoroughly, and keep the soil moist.
Disease and Pest Management for Descurainia paradisa Plants
Descurainia paradisa is a hardy plant, but it is susceptible to a few diseases and pests that can harm its overall health and reduce its productivity. Here are some of the common diseases and pests of Descurainia paradisa and how you can manage them.
Common Diseases of Descurainia paradisa Plants
Crown Gall: Crown gall is a bacterial disease that causes the formation of tumors on the roots and stems of plants. This disease can weaken the plant and reduce its yield. To manage crown gall disease, remove and destroy infected plants and avoid planting in soil where the disease has occurred.
Root Rot: Root rot is caused by soil-borne fungi that attack the roots of the plants, causing them to rot and die. It affects the plants' ability to take up water and nutrients, which can lead to stunted growth and poor yield. To manage root rot, maintain proper soil moisture levels, improve soil drainage, and avoid planting in wet soil.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a powdery white coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. It reduces the plant's ability to photosynthesize, leading to stunted growth and poor yield. To manage powdery mildew, remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and provide good air circulation around the plants.
Common Pests of Descurainia paradisa Plants
Aphids: Aphids are small sap-sucking insects that infest the new growth of plants, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plants with a strong stream of water to knock the insects off the plant, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestations.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves and stems of plants. They can cause significant damage to Descurainia paradisa plants and reduce their yield. To manage caterpillars, handpick them off the plant and destroy them, or use biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing and stippling. They can reproduce quickly and cause significant damage to plants. To manage spider mites, spray the plants with a strong stream of water to knock the mites off the plant, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestations.
By monitoring your Descurainia paradisa plants regularly for signs of disease and pests and taking appropriate action, you can help keep your plants healthy and productive.
