Overview
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. glabra (Woot. & Standl.) Detling, also commonly known as western tansy mustard, is a small flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This plant is native to North America and can be found in several states across the United States and parts of Canada.Appearance
Western tansy mustard is a small annual or biennial plant that grows up to 60 cm tall. The plant has delicate, lacy leaves that are highly dissected and arranged alternately along a slender stem. The flowers of the plant are small and yellow with four petals. They appear in late spring or early summer and are followed by elongated fruit pods, which contain numerous tiny black seeds.Uses
The western tansy mustard has several uses. It is commonly used in the traditional medicinal practice of Native American tribes. The plant was traditionally used to treat respiratory ailments such as coughs, colds, and bronchitis. It was also used as a poultice to treat skin infections and ulcers. In addition to its medicinal uses, western tansy mustard has culinary uses. The young leaves of the plant can be harvested and added to salads or used as a potherb. The plant has a slightly bitter taste and a distinctive odor. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens, as its delicate foliage and bright yellow flowers can add a splash of color to flower beds and borders.Cultivation
The western tansy mustard prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and cold temperatures. The plant can be propagated by direct seeding in the fall or early spring. Once established, the plant will self-seed and spread quickly. It is considered a weed in some areas and can become invasive if left unchecked.Light Requirements
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. glabra (Woot. & Standl.) Detling typically thrives in full sun to partial shade. Therefore, this plant does not do well in shady areas as it requires adequate sunlight to produce energy through photosynthesis.
Soil Requirements
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. glabra (Woot. & Standl.) Detling grows well in different soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. However, it requires well-draining soils as it does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Further, the plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with pH levels ranging between 6.0 to 7.5.
Temperature Requirements
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. glabra (Woot. & Standl.) Detling can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it thrives in moderate temperatures. Ideally, the plant grows in areas with an average temperature of about 18-25 degrees Celsius (64-77 degrees Fahrenheit). The plant can also survive in temperatures above and below this range, but extreme temperatures may slow down its growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. glabra (Woot. & Standl.) Detling is a hardy plant that can adapt to various growing conditions, making it a popular choice among gardeners. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. It can also tolerate drought and high temperatures. When planting, it is recommended to sow the seeds directly in the ground in spring or fall. The seeds should be planted at a depth of ¼ inch and spaced about 12 inches apart. It is crucial to avoid transplant shock by minimizing root disturbance during planting.Watering Needs
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. glabra (Woot. & Standl.) Detling has low to moderate water needs and can tolerate drought. However, it is essential to give the plant sufficient water during the establishment period and dry spells to encourage healthy growth and flowering. Water deeply once a week, and monitor the plant's moisture level by checking the soil moisture.Fertilization
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. glabra (Woot. & Standl.) Detling does not require heavy feeding, and over-fertilizing can result in excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering. Adding compost or a balanced fertilizer in spring can help promote healthy growth and development of the plant.Pruning
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. glabra (Woot. & Standl.) Detling is a self-seeding plant that may require pruning after the flowering period to maintain shape and prevent overgrowth. The plant's stems can be cut back by up to half, and any dead or diseased stems should be removed promptly. Annual pruning can also help promote more abundant flowering in subsequent years.Propagation of Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. glabra (Woot. & Standl.) Detling
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. glabra (Woot. & Standl.) Detling can be propagated by both seeds and cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The plant produces numerous seeds that can be collected when they are matured in the summer. The seeds should be directly sown in the soil in the fall without any pre-treatment. They will germinate in the spring when the soil temperature rises above 50°F. The seedlings should be transplanted to their permanent location when they are large enough to handle.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation of Descurainia pinnata requires taking 3-5 inch long cuttings from the plant's stem in the spring or summer. The lower leaves should be removed and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone. Then, the cuttings can be planted in rooting media and kept under high humidity and temperature until they have developed roots. Once the roots are developed, the cuttings can be transferred to pots or directly planted in the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Descurainia Pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. Glabra (Woot. & Standl.) Detling
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. glabra (Woot. & Standl.) Detling, commonly known as western tansy mustard, is a hardy plant that is generally resistant to pest and disease infestations. However, like all plants, it is not entirely immune to certain pests and diseases. Here are some common pests and diseases that may affect the western tansy mustard and how to manage them:
Pests
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that feed on plant sap. They can cause stunted plant growth, yellowing of leaves, and deformation of the plant. To manage aphid infestations, it is important to control their growth and reproduction. This can be done through biological control by introducing natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings, or by using insecticidal soaps or neem oil to reduce the number of aphids.
Cabbage Looper
The cabbage looper is a caterpillar that eats through the leaves of plants and can cause significant damage to the western tansy mustard. To manage cabbage looper infestations, you can introduce natural predators like parasitic wasps or use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), a naturally occurring soil bacterium that produces a toxin that is toxic to caterpillars.
Wireworms
Wireworms are the larval stage of click beetles and live in the soil, where they feed on plant roots. They can cause wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. To manage wireworm infestations, rotate crops, use physical traps like cardboard or potato pieces, or apply a natural nematode-based insecticide, such as Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, to the soil.
Diseases
Clubroot
Clubroot is a soil-borne fungal disease that attacks the roots of the western tansy mustard, causing them to swell and form galls. This can result in stunted growth and reduced yield. To manage clubroot, practice crop rotation, sanitize tools and equipment to avoid spreading the disease, and plant resistant cultivars.
Damping-Off
Damping-off is a fungal disease that affects seedlings, causing them to wilt and die. To manage damping-off disease, it is important to use sterilized soil, avoid overwatering, use healthy seeds, and provide good air circulation around the plants.
Downy Mildew
Downy mildew is a fungal disease that causes yellow spots on leaves, which then turn brown, and the plant's foliage becomes discolored. To manage downy mildew, it is important to keep the plant leaves dry, avoid overcrowding, use resistant cultivars, and use copper-based fungicides.
Conclusion
Preventing and treating pest and disease infestations is key to maintaining healthy and productive western tansy mustard plants. By following the suggested pest and disease management methods, you can keep your Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. glabra (Woot. & Standl.) Detling plants healthy and productive year after year.
