Overview
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. osmiarum (Cockerell) Shinners, also known as western tansy mustard, is a member of the Brassicaceae family. It is a native plant of North America and can be found in many parts of the US and Canada. The plant is an annual or biennial herb that can be used for various purposes.
Description
Western tansy mustard has a bushy growth habit, with stems that can reach a height of up to 3 feet. The leaves are narrow and fern-like, with a bluish-green color. The plant produces small, yellow flowers that are clustered together in elongated racemes. The seeds are small and numerous, and they are enclosed in a cylindrical pod.
Common Names
Western tansy mustard goes by various common names, including tansy mustard, fetid tansy mustard, and coastal tansy mustard.
Uses
The plant has a long history of use in herbal medicine, particularly as a treatment for respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis. The leaves and seeds of the plant contain compounds that have expectorant and antispasmodic properties. In addition, the plant has been used as a spice and flavoring in cooking, particularly in Mexican cuisine. The seeds can also be ground into a flour and used as a substitute for mustard.
Light
Descurainia pinnata var. osmiarum typically grows in open, sunny areas. It prefers full sun to partial shade and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth. In low light conditions, the plant may become spindly and weak.
Temperature
This plant is adaptable to a range of temperatures, but typically grows best in cooler climates. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 50-75°F (10-24°C). Extreme heat can cause the plant to wilt and die, while frost can damage the foliage.
Soil Requirements
Descurainia pinnata var. osmiarum grows well in a variety of soil types but prefers well-draining soils with moderate fertility. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil pH (6.0-7.5). The plant does not tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained soils and may suffer from root rot in these conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Descurainia pinnata var. osmirarum is a tough plant that is relatively easy to grow. It is well suited to dry, sandy soil and can handle drought-like conditions. It grows best in full sun and can tolerate a range of temperatures, from hot summers to cold winters.
When planting, ensure that you choose a well-draining location. This will minimize the risk of root rot, which can be fatal. If the soil in your area is particularly heavy, consider adding a layer of sand or gravel to the bottom of the planting hole to help with drainage.
Watering Needs
While Descurainia pinnata var. osmirarum can handle long periods without water, it will grow best with regular watering. It is important to let the soil dry out between watering to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
A general rule of thumb is to water once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter months. It is also important to water deeply, so that the water reaches the roots. Shallow watering will only encourage shallow root growth, which can make the plant more susceptible to drought.
Fertilization
Descurainia pinnata var. osmirarum does not require much fertilization. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually be harmful to the plant. It is best to fertilize once a year, in the early spring, with a balanced fertilizer.
Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer, which will gradually release nutrients into the soil over a longer period. This can be especially useful if you don't want to fuss with fertilizing too often.
Pruning
Descurainia pinnata var. osmirarum does not typically require pruning. However, if the plant becomes too leggy, you may wish to trim it back in the early spring.
When pruning, make sure to use clean, sharp tools to prevent damaging the plant. Only trim back up to one-third of the plant's growth at a time, to avoid putting too much stress on the plant.
Propagation of Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. osmiarum (Cockerell) Shinners
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. osmiarum (Cockerell) Shinners, also known as western tansy mustard, is a wildflower native to North America. Propagation of this species can be achieved through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The most common method for propagating Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. osmiarum (Cockerell) Shinners is through seed propagation. The plant produces small seed pods that can be collected once they have turned brown and dry. To increase the chances of successful propagation, it is recommended to sow the seeds during the fall or early spring. The seeds should be sown directly into the soil at a depth of approximately 2-3 inches. In the spring, the seedlings will begin to emerge and can be transplanted to their final location once they have developed 2-3 true leaves.
Cuttings
Another method for propagating Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. osmiarum (Cockerell) Shinners is through cuttings. Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken from the plant during the spring or summer can be rooted in a well-draining soil mixture. Keeping the cuttings in a humid environment and providing bottom heat can increase the chances of success. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted to their final location.
Division
Dividing mature plants is a less common method for propagating Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. osmiarum (Cockerell) Shinners. This can be done in the fall or early spring by carefully digging up the rhizomes and dividing them into smaller sections. Each section should contain at least one shoot and some roots. The divided sections can then be transplanted to their final location.
Overall, propagation of Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. osmiarum (Cockerell) Shinners can be achieved through seed propagation, cuttings, and division, providing multiple options for gardeners and growers.
Disease Management
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. osmiarum (Cockerell) Shinners is generally a hardy plant, but it can still fall victim to certain diseases. Below are some common diseases that may affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a disease that causes spots to form on the leaves of the plant. These spots can range in size and color, but they tend to be brown or black. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove any infected leaves as soon as they are noticed. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can cause a powdery white or gray coating to form on the leaves of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, make sure the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Pest Management
Descurainia pinnata (Walt.) Britt. var. osmiarum (Cockerell) Shinners may also be susceptible to pest infestations. Below are some common pests that may affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Aphids
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can cluster on the leaves of the plant. They can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphids, spray the entire plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. Insecticidal soap can also be used to control the infestation.
Cabbage Loopers
Cabbage loopers are caterpillars that can eat through the leaves of the plant. They can cause significant damage if left unchecked. To manage cabbage loopers, handpick any that are visible and release natural predators such as parasitic wasps or ladybugs. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can also be used to control the infestation.
