Description
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. brachycarpa (Richards.) Fern., also known as western tansy mustard, is an annual or biennial herb that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. It is native to North America and can be found in many regions ranging from British Columbia, Canada, to California, United States.
General Appearance
The plant's stem can grow up to 90 cm tall and is branched at the base. The leaves are alternate, pinnately divided, and can grow up to 5 cm long. The flowers are yellow and small, with four petals arranged in a cross shape. The fruit is a narrow, cylindrical silique that is roughly 5-8 cm long and can contain up to 20 seeds.
Common Names
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. brachycarpa (Richards.) Fern. is commonly known by many names including western tansy mustard, golden tansy mustard, and western tansymustard.
Uses
The plant has various uses among different cultures. Native American tribes used the plant as a sedative, wound dressing, and to reduce fever. The Navajo also used the plant to treat rheumatism. The plant has aresin-like substance that is found in the seeds, which can be used to repel insects. Some people also eat the leaves and young shoots of the plant as a salad vegetable or cooked as a potherb. In gardening, it can be used as a drought-tolerant ornamental plant. Additionally, it can be used for soil stabilization and erosion control due to its fibrous root system that can hold soil together.
Growth Conditions for Descurainia Pinnata (Walt.) Britt. Var. Brachycarpa (Richards.) Fern.
Light: Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. Var. Brachycarpa (Richards.) Fern. typically prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower or fruit as well if grown in heavy shade.
Temperature: This plant is adapted to grow in a range of temperatures. It can withstand freezing temperatures, making it suitable for growing in colder climates. However, it is also able to tolerate hot and dry conditions during the summer months and prefers arid or semi-arid regions.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. However, it may not tolerate waterlogged or extremely alkaline soil conditions. The addition of organic matter to the soil can improve its fertility and drainage, which can benefit the plant's growth.
Cultivation of Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. brachycarpa (Richards.) Fern.
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. brachycarpa (Richards.) Fern. is a hardy plant that can thrive in a wide range of soils, from clay to loam. It prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
The plant is native to North America, and it can be propagated by seed or by division of older plants. Plant the seeds in the early spring after the last frost, and ensure that the soil is damp but not overly wet. Keep the soil moist during the germination process, which will take around two weeks.
Watering Needs of Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. brachycarpa (Richards.) Fern.
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. brachycarpa (Richards.) Fern. is a drought-tolerant plant, so it requires minimal watering. Water it once every two weeks, and ensure that the soil is dry before watering. Avoid overwatering the plant, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization of Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. brachycarpa (Richards.) Fern.
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. brachycarpa (Richards.) Fern. does not require heavy fertilization. Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer once every six months. Alternatively, you can use a liquid fertilizer and administer it every month during the growing season.
Pruning of Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. brachycarpa (Richards.) Fern.
Prune Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. brachycarpa (Richards.) Fern. in the late fall after the plant has finished its flowering cycle. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems, and shape the plant as desired. Use clean and sharp pruning scissors or shears to ensure that you make clean cuts.
Propagation of Descurainia pinnata var. brachycarpa
Descurainia pinnata var. brachycarpa, commonly known as western tansy mustard, is a herbaceous annual plant native to North America. It can be propagated from seeds collected from mature plants.
Seed Collection
The seeds of Descurainia pinnata var. brachycarpa are typically ready for collection in late summer or early fall. Harvest the seed pods when they start to turn brown and dry. Cut the pods from the plant and spread them out to dry in a warm, well-ventilated place for a week or two. Once the pods are dry, break them open gently and collect the small, brown seeds.
Seed Treatment
To improve the germination rate of Descurainia pinnata var. brachycarpa seeds, you can scarify them by lightly scraping or sanding the coat to break through the hard outer layer. This will help water and air to reach the inside of the seed, promoting germination. Alternatively, soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours before planting. This process can also help to soften the seed coat and improve germination.
Seed Planting
Plant Descurainia pinnata var. brachycarpa seeds directly in the ground in the fall or early spring when the soil is still cool and moist. Sow the seeds at a depth of about 1/4 inch, and space them 2 to 3 inches apart. Water the seeds immediately and keep the soil evenly moist until they germinate.
Disease Management for Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. brachycarpa (Richards.) Fern.
Descurainia pinnata is generally resistant to most diseases, but under certain environmental conditions, it can be susceptible to a few diseases. The most common diseases that can affect the plant are:
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and poor drainage, leading to the death of the roots. To prevent this disease, ensure that the plant is watered only when the topsoil is dry and provides adequate drainage.
- Verticillium Wilt: This disease is caused by a fungus that affects the vascular system of the plant, causing wilting and death. To prevent this disease, avoid planting Descurainia pinnata in soil where other susceptible plants have been grown, and use disease-resistant varieties.
To manage these diseases, remove the infected plant parts immediately and treat the plant with a fungicide. In severe cases, it is recommended to remove the entire plant to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management for Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. brachycarpa (Richards.) Fern.
Descurainia pinnata is relatively resistant to pests and insects. However, it can sometimes be affected by a few pests. The most common pests that can affect the plant are:
- Aphids: These pests are common during the growing season and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the plant. To prevent aphids, keep the plant clean and dry and use insecticidal soap if necessary.
- Cabbage Loopers: These pests are green-colored caterpillars that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing holes and other damage. To prevent cabbage loopers, use row covers and remove any infected plant parts immediately.
To manage these pests, remove the infected plant parts immediately and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation. It is important to remove the pests as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the plant.
