Descurainia Pinnata: A Unique and Useful Plant
Descurainia pinnata, commonly called western tansy mustard, is a wildflower plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to North America and mostly found in the western and central parts of the US and Canada. The plant is known for its medicinal and culinary applications, making it a popular plant amongst indigenous communities, herbalists and wildcrafters.
General Appearance
The plant has a characteristic fern-like shape, with widely spaced, pinnately lobed leaves that grow up to 10 cm in length. The plant can grow up to three feet in height and has a narrow stem that is light green and hairy. Its flowers are small and yellow, arranged in long, slender spikes at the tip of the branches. The plant blooms from spring through the summer and produces small pods of seeds after flowering.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as western tansy mustard, pinnate tansy mustard, and staple weed.
Uses
Descurainia pinnata is a versatile plant that holds a very important place in indigenous medicine. The plant is traditionally used to treat respiratory issues as well as gastrointestinal problems. The leaves of the plant can be boiled and consumed as a tea or dried and ground into a powder to be used in capsules. The seeds of the plant can also be ground and used as a form of mustard seasoning. Other uses of the plant include being used to cure colds, alleviate symptoms of fever, and as a cleansing agent for the body.
Furthermore, ecologically, the plant is known to be a pioneer species that can help stabilize soil after disturbances such as wildfires. It can act as a critical cover crop, preventing erosion while also fixing nitrogen in the soil, enabling other plants to grow.
In summary, Descurainia pinnata is a unique and multi-use plant that offers ecological, medicinal, and culinary benefits to communities.Growth Conditions for Descurainia pinnata
Light: Descurainia pinnata is a sun-loving plant that prefers full sunlight. So, it is essential to provide it with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can tolerate partial shade, but its growth rate may be slower.
Temperature: This plant can withstand an extensive range of temperatures, from extreme heat to cool temperatures. The optimal temperature range for its growth is between 15°C to 30°C. At lower temperatures, the growth rate of the plant slows down, while at higher temperatures, the plant can go dormant.
Soil: The plant can survive in various soil types and can even grow in poor soil conditions. However, it grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Soil pH level should range from 6.0 to 8.0. Inadequate drainage can cause root rot disease, so it's crucial to avoid poorly drained soil.
Water: This plant is drought-tolerant and does not require regular watering, but occasional watering would help the plant grow efficiently. The soil should be moderately moist, but not too wet. Over-watering can cause root rot, so it is better to reduce watering during hot summer months.
Fertilizer: Descurainia pinnata does not require regular fertilization, but it can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Applying an excessive amount of fertilizer can promote rapid growth, which can lead to weaker stems. Therefore, it's better to avoid over-fertilization.
Cultivation Methods
The Descurainia pinnata plant can be grown from seed or root cuttings. To grow from seed, plant it in moist soil at a depth of 1/8 inch. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It can survive in various soil types, but it grows best in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. When planting, space the seeds or cuttings 2 to 3 feet apart to provide enough room for growth and airflow.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering to thrive. Water the plant daily for the first two weeks after planting to help establish its roots. After that period, the watering frequency depends on the soil and weather conditions. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply, reaching the roots, rather than shallowly. This practice encourages deep root growth and prevents the plant from drying out too quickly.
Fertilization
The Descurainia pinnata plant does not require frequent fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, during the growing season to encourage growth. Apply the fertilizer every four weeks to avoid overfeeding the plant. An alternative to commercial fertilizers is organic fertilizers, such as compost and manure. These natural fertilizers provide the plant with necessary nutrients while improving the soil quality.
Pruning
The Descurainia pinnata plant requires minimal pruning. However, removing the spent flowers promptly can help to promote additional blooms. Prune any diseased or damaged parts of the plant immediately, ensuring that the pruning tools are clean and sharp to avoid any further damage. Additionally, removing the dead and dry parts of the plant can enhance its appearance and reduce the risk of pests and diseases.
Propagation of Descurainia pinnata
Descurainia pinnata, commonly known as tansy mustard, is an annual flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This plant is native to North and Central America, and it can be found growing in arid and semi-arid regions, disturbed sites, and along roadways.
Seed Propagation
The most common way to propagate Descurainia pinnata is through seeds. Tansy mustard produces small, flat, oval-shaped seeds that can be easily collected from the mature plant. The best time to collect the seeds is when the seed pods turn yellow-brown and start to split open.
The collected seeds can be directly sown into the soil outdoors in the spring after the last frost. The soil should be well-draining, slightly alkaline, and rich in nutrients. The seeds should be planted shallowly, just below the soil surface, and watered well. They typically germinate in 7-14 days, depending on the soil temperature and moisture.
Alternatively, the seeds can be started indoors in early spring and transplanted outdoors once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size. The indoor method allows for better seedling growth and protection from outdoor pests and weather conditions. Keep the soil moist but not overly wet and provide plenty of light.
Division
Descurainia pinnata can also be propagated through division. This method is best used on more mature plants, and it involves digging up an established plant and dividing it into smaller sections. Each section should have its own root system and some stems and leaves.
The divided sections can be replanted in the desired location, and they should be watered well and kept out of direct sunlight until they have a chance to establish themselves in the soil. Division is best done in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing.
Cutting Propagation
Another propagation method that can be used for Descurainia pinnata is cutting propagation. This method involves taking stem cuttings from a mature plant and rooting them in water or soil. It is a less common method for tansy mustard as it can be more challenging to achieve successful rooting.
The stem cuttings should be taken in the early spring from new growth that has not yet flowered. The cuttings should be around 6 inches long and should have several leaves. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone before being planted into soil or placed into water.
Keep the soil moist or the water refreshed, and provide plenty of light but not direct sunlight until the cuttings have developed roots and new growth. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted into the desired location once they have grown to a suitable size and have a well-established root system.
Disease and Pest Management for Descurainia Pinnata Plants
Descurainia pinnata, commonly known as western tansy mustard or simply tansy mustard, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the mustard family. Although hardy and resilient, these plants can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and some ways to manage them.
Diseases
Clubroot: Clubroot is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of plants in the Brassicaceae family, which includes tansy mustard. Symptoms of clubroot include stunted growth, wilting, yellowing leaves, and distorted roots. To manage clubroot, avoid planting in infected soil, sterilize gardening tools after use, and practice crop rotation.
Black spot: Black spot is a fungal disease that causes dark spots and lesions on the leaves of plants. Infected leaves eventually turn yellow and drop. To manage black spot, remove infected leaves and dispose of them properly, water the plant at the base to keep the leaves dry, and apply fungicides if necessary.
White rust: White rust is a fungal disease that causes white or yellow spots on the leaves of plants. Infected leaves will eventually become distorted and drop. To manage white rust, remove infected leaves and dispose of them properly, water the plant at the base to keep the leaves dry, and apply fungicides if necessary.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are common pests that can damage tansy mustard plants by sucking sap from the leaves and stems. Symptoms of aphid infestation include yellowing leaves and sticky residue on the plant. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge the pests, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, or release natural predators like ladybugs.
Cabbage loopers: Cabbage loopers are caterpillars that feed on the leaves of plants in the Brassicaceae family. Symptoms of cabbage looper infestation include chewed leaves and small, irregular holes in the foliage. To manage cabbage loopers, manually remove the pests and dispose of them properly, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), or release natural predators like parasitic wasps.
Flea beetles: Flea beetles are small, shiny black or brown beetles that can damage tansy mustard plants by feeding on the leaves and stems. Symptoms of flea beetle infestation include small holes in the foliage and wilting. To manage flea beetles, apply kaolin clay or diatomaceous earth, use row covers to protect plants, or release natural predators like parasitic wasps.
Overall, regular monitoring and prompt action are key to managing pest and disease problems in Descurainia pinnata plants. By taking preventive measures and using appropriate control methods, you can help your tansy mustard plants thrive.
