Origin
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. nelsonii (Rydb.) M.E. Peck, commonly known as Nelson's desertparsley, is a species of flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae. It is native to western North America, including the United States and Canada.
Common Names
Descurainia pinnata var. nelsonii is commonly known as Nelson's desertparsley, Nelson's tansymustard, and pinleaf tansymustard.
Uses
The plant has been used traditionally by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes. The Cheyenne used the plant as a diuretic, to treat fever, and for stomach ailments, while the Navajo used it to treat backache and for general health maintenance. The plant is also a valuable source of forage for wildlife, particularly for birds and small mammals.
General Appearance
Nelson's desertparsley is a herbaceous annual or biennial plant that grows up to 80 cm in height. It has finely divided leaves that are pinnately lobed and approximately 1-5 cm long. The plant produces racemes of small yellow flowers with four petals that bloom from May to August. The fruits are slender, cylindrical pods that are up to 5 cm long and contain numerous small seeds.
Light requirements
Descurainia pinnata var. nelsonii is adapted to grow in full sunlight, but can also thrive in partial shade conditions. However, insufficient light can cause reduced plant growth and delayed flowering.
Temperature requirements
Descurainia pinnata var. nelsonii is a cold-tolerant plant and can survive in temperatures as low as -40°C. It grows well in regions with a temperature range of 9-22°C.
Soil requirements
Descurainia pinnata var. nelsonii can grow in a wide range of soil types, including well-drained sandy, loam, and clay soils. However, it generally prefers loamy soils and is not adapted to waterlogged soils. The plant is also tolerant of alkaline soils but does not thrive in acidic conditions.
Cultivation Methods for Descurainia Pinnata (Walt.) Britt. Var. Nelsonii (Rydb.) M.E. Peck
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. nelsonii (Rydb.) M.E. Peck is relatively easy to cultivate, as long as you have access to its native range in the western United States. This plant prefers to grow in dry, arid conditions, so it's important to avoid overwatering or planting in overly damp soil.
These plants prefer to grow in full sun, but they can tolerate some shade, particularly in hotter climates. They are well-suited to rocky or gravelly soil types, as long as you amend the soil with some organic matter to improve drainage.
Watering Needs for Descurainia Pinnata (Walt.) Britt. Var. Nelsonii (Rydb.) M.E. Peck
Because this plant is adapted to grow in arid conditions, it requires relatively little water to thrive. Once established, it can survive on natural rainfall alone in many regions of the western United States.
However, if you live in an area with irregular rainfall or if you're growing your plants in pots, you can water them deeply once a week during the growing season. Avoid watering the plants during periods of high humidity, as this can increase the risk of fungal infections.
Fertilization for Descurainia Pinnata (Walt.) Britt. Var. Nelsonii (Rydb.) M.E. Peck
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. nelsonii (Rydb.) M.E. Peck is not a heavy feeder, so it doesn't require much fertilization. If you do decide to fertilize your plants, use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in the spring before planting, or apply a slow-release fertilizer once a year.
Do not over-fertilize, as this can cause the plants to grow too quickly and become overly soft and susceptible to damage from pests and diseases.
Pruning for Descurainia Pinnata (Walt.) Britt. Var. Nelsonii (Rydb.) M.E. Peck
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. nelsonii (Rydb.) M.E. Peck requires little pruning to maintain its growth habit. However, you may want to prune your plants to remove any dead or diseased branches, or to maintain a tidy appearance.
It's best to prune these plants in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Use sterilized pruning shears to make clean cuts and avoid damaging the plant's bark or branches. You can also pinch back the tips of the branches to encourage bushier growth, if desired.
Propagation Methods for Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. nelsonii (Rydb.) M.E. Peck
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. nelsonii (Rydb.) M.E. Peck, also known as western tansymustard or Nelson's tansymustard, is a native wildflower that is commonly found in western North America. This species can be propagated through three different methods which include by seed, by cuttings, and by division.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is the most common method for propagating Descurainia pinnata. The seeds for this species require stratification before they can germinate. Stratification is when you subject seeds to cool temperatures to simulate natural winter conditions. This process breaks the dormancy of the seed, allowing for successful germination when planted. It is recommended to sow the seeds in the fall so that by spring, the seeds will be ready to germinate.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings can be done with Descurainia pinnata, but the success rate is lower compared to propagation by seed. Cuttings should be taken from the parent plant in the spring when the new growth has just emerged. The cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stems and should be about four inches long. Once the cutting has been taken, it should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in a moist rooting medium. The cutting should be kept moist, but not overly wet. Roots should develop in approximately four to six weeks.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is another method that can be used to propagate Descurainia pinnata. This can be done in the spring when new growth is just starting to appear. The parent plant should be carefully dug up and the roots should be divided into sections. Each section should have both roots and shoots. The sections should then be replanted in a suitable location and watered thoroughly.
Disease and Pest Management for Descurainia Pinnata (Walt.) Britt. Var. Nelsonii (Rydb.) M.E. Peck
Descurainia Pinnata (Walt.) Britt. Var. Nelsonii (Rydb.) M.E. Peck, commonly known as Nelson's tumbleweed, is a hardy plant species that is tolerant of harsh environments and commonly found in western North America. However, like other plants, it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can diminish its growth and health. Here are common diseases and pests that might affect Descurainia Pinnata and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
One of the diseases that affect Descurainia Pinnata is the white rust caused by the fungus Albugo candida. This disease appears as partially spherical pustules on the plant's leaves, which eventually break open to release powdery spores, making the plant's leaves yellow and causing defoliation. To manage this disease, you can practice crop rotation to avoid planting Descurainia Pinnata on the same site for consecutive years, use resistant cultivars, and apply fungicides.
Another disease that commonly affects Descurainia Pinnata is the damping-off caused by the soil-borne pathogen Pythium spp. This disease affects the plant during the early stages of growth, causing the seedlings to rot and collapse. To prevent damping-off, you can sterilize the soil before planting, avoid overwatering, and use well-draining soils.
Common Pests
Descurainia Pinnata is also susceptible to pests such as aphids, caterpillars, and grasshoppers. These pests feed on the plant's leaves and stems, causing stunting, defoliation, and reduced yields. To manage these pests, you can use insecticides, introduce natural predators such as ladybirds and lacewings, and practice physical control methods such as handpicking the pests.
In summary, managing diseases and pests in Descurainia Pinnata is crucial for ensuring healthy growth and high yields. Employing a combination of preventive and control measures can help to minimize the damage caused by diseases and pests and improve the plant's overall health.
