Origin
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. filipes (Gray) Detling, commonly known as western tansy mustard, is a native plant species in North America that is widely distributed across the western and central regions of the United States and Canada.
Common Names
Descurainia pinnata is commonly referred to as western tansy mustard, yellow tansy mustard, and western tansymustard.
Uses
Descurainia pinnata is known for its medicinal properties and has been used traditionally by Native American tribes to treat a variety of ailments such as stomach aches, respiratory and throat infections, and to help manage pain.
It is also used as a food source; the leaves and flowers of the plant are edible and can be added to salads or used as a garnish.
General Appearance
Descurainia pinnata is a hardy annual plant that can grow up to 70 cm in height and has a woody stem with numerous branches. The leaves are divided into small leaflets, and the bright yellow flowers are arranged in long, slender spikes. The plant blooms from late spring to summer and produces small yellow to brown seeds.
Descurainia pinnata is adapted to a wide range of growing conditions and can be found growing in various habitats such as roadsides, disturbed areas, grasslands, and open woods.
Light Requirements
Descurainia pinnata ssp. filipes typically grows in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade in hotter climates.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species is native to North America and can thrive in a wide range of temperatures. Generally, it prefers moderate temperatures, with a range of 55°F to 85°F (12.8°C to 29.4°C).
Soil Requirements
The plant grows in different soil types such as sandy or clay soils. However, it prefers soils that are well-draining and have good moisture retention. It can tolerate both acidic and alkaline soils but with a preference for neutral (pH 7) to slightly alkaline (pH 8) soils.
Cultivation methods
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. filipes (Gray) Detling, commonly known as western tansymustard, is a native species to the western United States, thriving in semi-arid regions. It can grow up to 1 meter tall, with small yellow flowers and narrow leaves. The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings, and it prefers well-draining soils rich in organic matter. It is recommended to sow seeds in the fall or early spring to allow for germination. The plant can tolerate full sun or partial shade.Watering needs
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. filipes (Gray) Detling is drought-tolerant once established, but newly planted specimens require regular watering until they become established. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.Fertilization
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. filipes (Gray) Detling is a nitrogen-fixing plant, meaning it can obtain the necessary nutrients from the atmosphere and convert them into a usable form. As such, it does not require regular fertilization. However, if the soil is poor in nutrients, it can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring.Pruning
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. filipes (Gray) Detling does not require regular pruning beyond the removal of dead or damaged plant material. However, if the plant becomes too leggy, it can be pruned back in the fall or early spring to encourage bushier growth. It is advised to use clean, sharp pruning tools and to sterilize them between cuts to prevent the spread of diseases.Propagation of Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. filipes (Gray) Detling
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. filipes (Gray) Detling can be propagated through seeds. The seeds of this plant can be easily collected when the pods turn brown. It is important to collect the seeds before the pods split open, as the seeds can be lost.
Once the seeds are collected, they can be planted directly into the soil. The soil should be well-draining and well-amended with organic matter. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1/4 inch. The soil should be kept consistently moist until the seeds have germinated.
Another method of propagating Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. filipes (Gray) Detling is by taking stem cuttings. This method is especially useful for propagating a large number of plants quickly. To take stem cuttings, select healthy and mature shoots from the plant. Cut the shoots into 4 to 6-inch lengths, making sure to make clean cuts just below a leaf node.
Remove the lower leaves from the stem cuttings and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Plant the stem cuttings in a well-draining soil mixture and place them in a bright, indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist and the humidity high around the cuttings to help promote root formation.
Disease and Pest Management for Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. filipes (Gray) Detling
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. filipes (Gray) Detling, commonly known as western tansy mustard, is a plant species that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can cause significant damage to its growth and development.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect western tansy mustard is white rust. White rust is a fungal infection that causes yellowing and wilting of leaves. The infection typically spreads through the leaves and can cause defoliation, stunting, and reduced seed production. To manage white rust, it is advisable to remove infected plant parts and destroy them. Additionally, applying fungicides at the early stages of infection can help control the disease's spread.
Another disease that can affect western tansy mustard is blackleg. Blackleg is a bacterial infection that causes the plant's stem to rot. It can cause root rot, yellowing of leaves, and even plant death in severe cases. To manage blackleg, it is advisable to use disease-resistant cultivars and crop rotation to prevent the build-up of the bacteria in the soil.
Common Pests
Western tansy mustard can also be attacked by several pests, with aphids being the most common. Aphids are major pests that suck sap from the plant's tissues, causing stunted growth, yellowing, and curling of the leaves. To control aphids, it is advisable to use insecticides, such as pyrethrin and neem oil. Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps are natural predators that help control aphid populations.
Another pest that can affect western tansy mustard is flea beetles. Flea beetles are small, shiny, and black or brown beetles that chew holes in the plant's leaves, causing extensive damage. To control flea beetles, it is advisable to use insecticides, such as spinosad, and row covers.
In conclusion, disease and pest management is an essential aspect of maintaining healthy and productive western tansy mustard plants. By identifying and controlling diseases and pests early, growers can prevent significant yield losses and ensure the plant thrives.
