Origin
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. halictorum (Cockerell) Detling is a plant species that belongs to the mustard family Brassicaceae. The plant is native to the western United States, found in moist areas such as stream banks, meadows, and open woods from Montana to Texas.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including beekeeper's mustard, halictus beeplant, and plains tansymustard.
Uses
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. halictorum (Cockerell) Detling has a variety of uses. Historically, Native Americans used the plant as a medicinal herb to treat various ailments such as coughing and colds. The plant is also known for its use in attracting bees and other pollinators, particularly halictid bees. Beekeepers often plant this species near their hives, as it provides a good source of nectar for these bees. In addition, the plant is used as a food source for livestock and wildlife.
General Appearance
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. halictorum (Cockerell) Detling is an annual or biennial plant that grows to a height of 20-60 cm. The stem is erect and branched, with the leaves being pinnately divided and finely toothed. The flowers are small, yellow, and bloom in clusters on the stem. The plant produces small, oblong seed pods that contain many small seeds. The seeds are often dispersed by wind.
Light Requirements
Descurainia pinnata ssp. halictorum prefers full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but prolonged exposure to shady conditions may decrease its overall growth potential.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to grow in semi-arid and arid regions, where the temperature can range from warm to hot during the day and cool to cold at night. It can withstand high temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius and temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
Descurainia pinnata ssp. halictorum thrives in rocky or sandy soils that are well-drained with low to medium fertility. The soil should be able to retain moisture while also allowing excess water to drain away. It can grow in soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. This plant is also known to tolerate saline soils, making it suitable for growth in coastal areas.
Cultivation methods
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. halictorum (Cockerell) Detling can be grown from seeds or propagated through stem cuttings. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It is a hardy plant that can withstand drought and cold temperatures. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide.
Watering needs
The plant should be watered regularly until it is established. After that, it can survive long periods of drought. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to let the soil dry out between watering sessions.
Fertilization
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. halictorum (Cockerell) Detling does not require much fertilization. A balanced fertilizer can be applied once a year in the spring. Overfertilizing can lead to excessive growth and reduced flower production.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. halictorum (Cockerell) Detling. However, if the plant becomes too large or unruly, it can be pruned in the spring after flowering is complete. Dead or damaged branches can also be removed at any time.
Propagation of Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. halictorum (Cockerell) Detling
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. halictorum (Cockerell) Detling can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. halictorum (Cockerell) Detling can be collected in late summer or early fall when the seed pods turn brown. The seeds can be sown directly in the garden bed or in containers filled with well-draining soil. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until the seedlings emerge.
It is important to note that Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. halictorum (Cockerell) Detling can also self-seed readily if left to their own devices.
Cutting propagation
Propagation by cuttings can be done in summer or early fall. Cuttings of Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. halictorum (Cockerell) Detling should be taken from the current season's growth, preferably from the upper part of the plant. The cuttings should be about 3-4 inches long and should be taken early in the morning when the plants are well hydrated.
Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil and keep it moist. After a few weeks, the cutting should start to root. Once the roots are well established, the plant can be transplanted to the garden.
Disease Management
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. halictorum (Cockerell) Detling is a relatively healthy plant and not many diseases have been reported to affect it. However, it is still susceptible to some diseases such as:
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant causing them to rot due to poor soil drainage. To manage this disease, you need to avoid overwatering the plant, ensure the soil has proper drainage, and apply fungicides to the soil.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant causing a white powdery substance to appear on them. To manage this disease, you can prune the affected leaves, improve air circulation around the plant, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. halictorum (Cockerell) Detling is also susceptible to some pests such as:
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck sap from the leaves of the plant causing them to wilt. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Leafhoppers: These are small insects that feed on the leaves of the plant causing them to turn yellow. To manage leafhoppers, you can prune the affected leaves, use sticky traps, or apply insecticides.
Overall, regular monitoring of Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. halictorum (Cockerell) Detling for any signs of disease or pest infestation is necessary for early detection and prompt management.
