Description:
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. filipes (Gray) M.E. Peck is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. It is an annual herb, which can grow up to 1 meter tall. The leaves are pinnately divided, meaning they have leaflets arranged on opposite sides of a central axis and end in a single leaflet. The flowers are small and yellow and grow in clusters at the ends of stems. The plant produces small, oblong-shaped fruits known as siliques which contain numerous seeds.
Origin:
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. filipes (Gray) M.E. Peck is native to North America and can be found in various habitats such as plains, meadows, and rocky slopes. It is widespread throughout the western United States and northern Mexico.
Common Names:
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. filipes (Gray) M.E. Peck is commonly known as western tansy mustard, western tansymustard, yellow tansymustard, or simply tansymustard.
Uses:
The plant has various medicinal uses. Indigenous people of North America have traditionally used Descurainia species to treat respiratory ailments, such as asthma, coughs, and bronchitis, as well as gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea and dysentery. Additionally, the plant has been used as a diuretic and to treat skin conditions.
In addition, Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. filipes (Gray) M.E. Peck has been used as a food source by Indigenous people, who ate the leaves, stems, and seeds raw or cooked. It has a slightly bitter taste and can be added to salads or used as a spice.
Light Requirements
The Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. filipes (Gray) M.E. Peck grows best in areas with full sun exposure. It can tolerate partial shade, but it will not grow as vigorously as in areas with abundant sunlight. The plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to flourish and produce flowers and seeds.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives well in a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate hot weather with temperatures of up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. At night, the temperature should be cool, ranging from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter, the plant can withstand severe frost and freezing temperatures of up to -30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. filipes (Gray) M.E. Peck prefers well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients. It can grow in most soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils, which can lead to root rotting. The ideal soil pH for the plant growth is within the range of 6.0 to 8.5.
Cultivation Methods
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. filipes (Gray) M.E. Peck, commonly known as western tansy mustard, is a hardy biennial or annual plant that grows well in temperate zones. This plant prefers dry to mesic, sandy or gravelly soil, and it is best suited for planting in the fall. It is advisable to prepare the planting area by removing any weed, rocks, and debris. The seeds can be sown directly in the ground or started indoors and transplanted outdoors after 4-6 weeks.
Watering Needs
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. filipes (Gray) M.E. Peck is drought tolerant and does not require excessive watering. However, it is important to keep the soil moist until germination occurs. After that, the plant can survive on natural rainfall in areas with an average precipitation of at least 10 inches per year. In arid regions or during long periods of dry weather, it is recommended to water the plant deeply once or twice a week.
Fertilization
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. filipes (Gray) M.E. Peck is not a heavy feeder, and it can grow well in poor soils. Therefore, fertilization is not necessary, unless the plant shows visible signs of nutrient deficiency. If fertilization is required, it is advisable to use a balanced all-purpose fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in equal amounts. It is recommended to avoid over-fertilization, as it can cause excessive plant growth and reduce the quality of the leaves and flowers.
Pruning
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. filipes (Gray) M.E. Peck does not require pruning, as it tends to grow naturally and does not usually become overgrown. However, deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, can encourage the plant to produce more blooms and extend its flowering period. Additionally, the removal of yellow or dead leaves can improve the plant's appearance and reduce the risk of disease.
Propagation of Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. filipes (Gray) M.E. Peck
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. filipes (Gray) M.E. Peck, commonly known as western tansy mustard, is a native North American plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. The plant is commonly found in open woodlands, slopes, and prairies. Its attractive yellow flowers and fern-like leaves make it an excellent addition to any garden. Propagation of Descurainia pinnata can be carried out by various methods, including seed propagation, cuttings, and division.
Seed propagation
Descurainia pinnata is most commonly propagated by seeds. The seeds should be sown in early spring when the weather is mild. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors using seed starting mix, trays and a grow light. Sow the seeds thinly on the surface of the potting mix or soil; cover lightly with soil and keep them moist. Germination usually occurs within 10 to 14 days.
Cuttings
Descurainia pinnata can also be propagated by cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Take softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings that are 10 to 15 cm in length, just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone, then plant in a moist potting mix. Keep the potting mix consistently moist and place in a sunny location. The cuttings should start to root within 4 to 6 weeks.
Division
Descurainia pinnata can also be propagated through division. Divide the plant in early spring, just as new growth emerges. Dig up the entire plant and carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections. Replant each section in well-draining soil and keep moist. Division is a great way to rejuvenate older, larger plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Descurainia Pinnata (Walt.) Britt. Var. Filipes (Gray) M.E. Peck
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. filipes (Gray) M.E. Peck is a resilient plant and not prone to severe diseases or pests. But like any plant, it is not entirely immune to them.
Common Diseases
The most frequent disease observed in Descurainia pinnata is White Rust, a fungal disease that forms small powder-like growth on leaves. To manage this disease, use fungicides as soon as you notice the rust buds. Also, it is essential to take precautionary measures such as crop rotation or removal of crop debris for the next growing season because the fungus overwinters in affected leaves, leading to a recurrence of the disease.
Another fungal disease that the plant might experience is Powdery Mildew. It creates a superficial white powder-like growth and spreads rapidly in warm, damp conditions. Avoid over-fertilization and choose well-draining soil to help prevent the disease. Using fungicides is also effective.
Common Pests
Descurainia pinnata is not a magnet for pests, but a few can nibble on the leaves, including aphids, cutworms, and flea beetles.
Aphids are usually green or black, small, and congregate under leaves, sucking the sap from young buds. Symptoms of infestations include yellowing of leaves. You can control them using insecticides or plant oils. You could also plant companion crops that repel aphids, such as chives and onions.
Cutworms hide in the soil during the day and feed on foliage during the night, leading to cut and torn edges. Using physical barriers, such as a cut toilet roll-centered around the plant stem, can prevent cutworms' access to the plant. If the pest persists, use biological controls like Nematodes to reduce their numbers.
Flea beetles are small black bugs that reside and eat on the plants' tiny leaves, causing numerous, tiny holes in the foliage. Row covers and mesh screens can provide sufficient barriers to reduce infestation. Using insecticides also provides an effective solution.
Overall, maintaining good hygiene practices is vital to ensuring that Descurainia pinnata remains healthy, resists pests and diseases, and grows optimally.
