Overview
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. paradisa (A. Nels. & Kennedy) Detling is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the mustard family Brassicaceae. It is commonly known as western tansy mustard, dune tansy mustard, or Hoover's mustard.
Origin
Western tansy mustard is native to western North America, from Alaska to California and eastward to South Dakota and Texas.
Description
Western tansy mustard is an annual or biennial plant that typically grows to a height of 30-80 cm. The stems are erect, branched, and covered with fine hairs. The leaves are alternate and pinnately lobed, with the leaflets being mostly lanceolate. The flowers are small, yellow, and arranged in a raceme at the top of the stem. The seed pods are long and thin, with the seeds being small and black.
Uses
Western tansy mustard has a variety of traditional medicinal uses. The Navajo and Hopi tribes used the plant to treat rheumatism, coughs, and chest congestion. The roots were also used as a poultice for skin infections. The plant is also used in herbal medicine for digestive and respiratory problems. In addition, the seeds can be used to make mustard.
Western tansy mustard is also used as a forage plant for livestock.
Overall, western tansy mustard is a hardy and useful plant that has been valued by indigenous peoples for its medicinal and nutritional properties.
Growth Conditions of Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. paradisa (A. Nels. & Kennedy) Detling
Light: Descurainia pinnata ssp. paradisa is a plant that requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade but may not grow as vigorously. This species is often found growing in dry and open areas where it can easily receive ample sunlight.
Temperature: This plant is typically found at higher elevations where the temperature is cooler and the air is more humid. It can tolerate a range of temperatures from lows of -18°C (0°F) to moderate highs of 27°C (81°F). However, it prefers a mild temperature range of around 21°C (70°F).
Soil requirements: Descurainia pinnata ssp. paradisa prefers well-drained soils with low to moderate fertility. It can tolerate slightly acidic to alkaline soils, typically with a pH range of 5.0-8.0. This species can also grow on various soil types such as sandy, rocky, or clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. However, it does not do well in wet soils and may suffer from root rot when planted in overly moist areas.
Cultivation Methods
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. paradisa (A. Nels. & Kennedy) Detling is a hardy plant that can be grown in most soils. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun, but can tolerate some shade. It is recommended to sow the seeds directly into the ground or into pots. The plant is relatively easy to grow and will self-seed if left unchecked.
Watering Needs
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. paradisa (A. Nels. & Kennedy) Detling is drought resistant and can tolerate a wide range of moisture levels. However, it needs consistent watering during the initial stages of growth to establish a strong root system. Once established, the plant can be watered sparingly, and should not be allowed to sit in standing water.
Fertilization
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. paradisa (A. Nels. & Kennedy) Detling is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much fertilizer. However, a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring can help stimulate growth. It is important to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and a reduction in the production of flowers and seeds.
Pruning
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. paradisa (A. Nels. & Kennedy) Detling generally doesn't require pruning. However, it is recommended to remove any dead or damaged branches throughout the growing season. This will help maintain the plant's health and appearance. Additionally, if the plant begins to look leggy, it can be lightly pruned in early spring to encourage bushier growth.
Propagation of Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. paradisa (A. Nels. & Kennedy) Detling
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. paradisa (A. Nels. & Kennedy) Detling, commonly known as the Western tansymustard or the goldenbeard tansymustard, is a perennial plant species native to the western and southwestern regions of North America. It is an easily cultivated plant that can grow well in both dry and moist soils.
Propagation Methods:
1. Seeds: The most common method of propagating Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. paradisa (A. Nels. & Kennedy) Detling is through seeds. The seeds are small and can be directly sown in the soil or started indoors for transplanting later. When planting outdoors, the seeds should be sown in the fall, so they can experience the stratification period before germination in the spring.
2. Stem Cuttings: Although stem cuttings are not a very common method of propagating Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. paradisa (A. Nels. & Kennedy) Detling, they can be used to propagate the plant. Cuttings should be taken from the plant's stems during the late spring or early summer, choosing healthy, non-flowering stems. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Water the cuttings thoroughly and place them in a shaded area. Rooting should occur in a few weeks.
3. Division: Division is another method that can be used to propagate Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. ssp. paradisa (A. Nels. & Kennedy) Detling. This method should be done in the fall or early spring when the plant is dormant. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the root system into smaller clumps. Replant the smaller clumps in well-draining soil.
Disease Management
Descurainia pinnata is susceptible to a few diseases, including damping-off, powdery mildew, and black root rot.
Damping-Off
Damping-off is a fungal disease that affects young seedlings, causing them to wilt and die. To manage damping-off, it is important to use sterilized soil and avoid overwatering. Additionally, good air circulation and plenty of light can discourage fungal growth.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that affects many plants, including Descurainia pinnata. It appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, and can stunt growth and reduce yield. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to plant resistant varieties and ensure good air circulation and plenty of light. Remove severely infected plants to prevent the spread of disease.
Black Root Rot
Black root rot is a soil-borne fungus that can affect Descurainia pinnata. It causes the roots to become blackened and rot, and can eventually kill the plant. The best way to manage black root rot is to avoid overwatering, rotate crops, and plant in well-draining soils. Fungicides may also be used to manage the disease.
Pest Management
Descurainia pinnata is also susceptible to a few pests, including aphids and flea beetles.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can feed on the sap of Descurainia pinnata, causing stunted growth and reduced yield. To manage aphids, you can introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. Additionally, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage infestations.
Flea Beetles
Flea beetles are small, black beetles that can chew small holes in the leaves of Descurainia pinnata. Severe infestations can cause defoliation and reduce yield. To manage flea beetles, you can use row covers to protect young plants, introduce natural predators, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage infestations.
