Origin
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. intermedia (Rydb.) Detling, commonly known as western tansy mustard, is a native plant species in North America. It grows in the western regions of North America, including Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Common Names
Western tansy mustard is also known as Oregon tansy mustard, intermountain tansy mustard, mountain tansy mustard, and simply tansy mustard.
Uses
Western tansy mustard has several uses, including medicinal and culinary. It has been used as a traditional herbal remedy for various ailments, including respiratory problems, digestive issues, and menstrual cramps. The plant has also been used as a condiment to add flavor to food, particularly in the southwestern United States.
Besides its medicinal and culinary uses, western tansy mustard is also an important species for wildlife and conservation. The plant serves as a host plant for a variety of butterfly species and provides food and habitat for many other wildlife species, including birds and mammals.
General Appearance
Western tansy mustard is a small, herbaceous plant that belongs to the mustard family (Brassicaceae). The plant grows up to 1 meter tall and has slender stems that are covered with fine, white hairs. The leaves are deeply divided into narrow, pointed segments. The flowers are small and yellow and are arranged in elongated clusters at the top of the stems. The plant produces small, oval-shaped seed pods that are about 3-5 millimeters long and contain numerous seeds.
Overall, western tansy mustard is an attractive plant that is easy to recognize due to its distinctive foliage, flowers, and seed pods. It is a hardy species that can thrive in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, sagebrush steppe, and disturbed areas.
Light Requirements
Descurainia pinnata ssp. intermedia is a type of plant that requires full sun to thrive. It cannot grow well in shaded areas or areas with low light intensity. Therefore, it is essential to choose a location that has ample sunlight for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
Descurainia pinnata ssp. intermedia prefers moderate temperatures, not too hot nor too cold. It can tolerate some degree of frost and heat, but extreme temperature fluctuations can adversely affect its growth. Ideally, the plant thrives in temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are composed of fine-textured sand, silt, and clay. Descurainia pinnata ssp. intermedia plants can thrive in soils with low to moderate fertility. However, the soil should have a neutral pH range (6.5 to 7.5) for optimal growth. Generally, the plant grows wild in dry, alkaline soils and can tolerate drought and low soil nutrient content.
Cultivation Methods
Descurainia pinnata prefers well-drained soil with moderate moisture and full sunlight. The plant can tolerate dry and rocky soils and is found in subalpine meadows, sagebrush rangelands, and roadsides. Plant the seeds in the early spring or fall seasons, and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Once the plant has grown, thin out the seedlings to provide adequate spacing for each plant.Watering Needs
While Descurainia pinnata can tolerate drought-like conditions, it still requires regular watering. Water the plant deeply once every week, especially during prolonged dry spells. Ensure that the soil drains well to prevent waterlogging, which could lead to root rot and other diseases.Fertilization
Descurainia pinnata is not a heavy feeder, but adding a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season can promote healthy growth and flowering. It's best to use an all-purpose fertilizer that provides balanced nutritional support. Alternatively, add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil in the early spring to improve soil health and fertility.Pruning
Descurainia pinnata is a low-maintenance plant that doesn't require frequent pruning. However, if you wish to maintain a compact shape, prune the plant back in the early spring before the new growth begins. Trim back the stems by up to one-third of their length to stimulate new growth and promote bushy growth. Avoid over-pruning, as this could damage the plant and reduce flowering.Propagation of Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. intermedia (Rydb.) Detling
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. intermedia (Rydb.) Detling or commonly known as western tansy mustard is a native plant in North America. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds are the most common method for propagating Descurainia pinnata. Seeds can be directly sown into the soil, or they can be started indoors. The best time for sowing the seeds is early spring or late summer. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist until germination, which usually takes 7-10 days.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Descurainia pinnata can also be done by cuttings. Cuttings can be taken from the young stem during the spring season. The cuttings should be 2-3 inches in length and should be planted in soil that is well-drained and moist. The cuttings should be kept in a shaded area until they have developed a good root system.
Propagation by Division
Propagation of Descurainia pinnata can also be done by division. The plants can be divided during the spring season when the plant is dormant. The plant should be dug up carefully, and the roots should be separated gently. The separated plants should be planted in soil that is well-drained and moist.
Disease Management
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. intermedia (Rydb.) Detling is a relatively hardy plant but may be susceptible to certain diseases under specific conditions. Some common diseases that may affect this plant include:
- Downy Mildew: This disease is caused by the fungus Peronospora lathyri and can cause yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. To manage this disease, ensure good air circulation around the plant by spacing them well apart. Also, avoid wetting leaves when watering and ensure drainage is good to prevent the growth of the pathogen.
- Root Rot: Root rot is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani, and it can cause the roots to rot, leading to wilting of the stem and yellowing of leaves. To manage this disease, ensure good drainage of the soil, avoid overwatering and water early enough in the day to allow time for drying before nighttime.
- Virus: Viral infections can cause stunted growth, discoloration of leaves, and yield reduction. There is no cure for viral infections, so it is advisable to use virus-free seeds or seedlings and control pests that may spread the virus.
Pest Management
Descurainia pinnata may also be affected by pests that can cause a reduction in yield or even death of the plant. Some common pests that may affect the plant include:
- Aphids: Aphids can cause wilting, stunted growth, and yellowing of leaves. They suck sap from the plant, causing it to weaken. To manage aphids, prune off the affected parts of the plant and spray with insecticides such as neem oil or soap-water solution. Encouraging the presence of predatory insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can also help control aphids naturally.
- Cabbage Loopers: These are the larvae of a moth that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing holes and skeletonization of the leaves. To manage cabbage loopers, handpick and destroy them or use insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are larvae of several species of moth, and they cut the stem of the plant, causing it to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, use physical barriers such as plastic collars around seedlings to prevent the larvae from reaching the stem. You can also handpick and destroy the larvae, or use insecticides such as spinosad.
