Origin
Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. macrosperma O.E. Schulz, commonly known as Richardson's tansymustard, is a species of flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae. It is native to North America, specifically found in the western regions of Canada (British Columbia) and the United States (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming).
Common Names
Richardson's tansymustard is also commonly referred to as tall tumblemustard, tall western tansymustard, large-seeded tansymustard, Richardson's tansy, and western tansymustard.
Uses
Parts of Richardson's tansymustard have been used for medicinal purposes, including as a treatment for coughs, colds, asthma, and other respiratory ailments. The seeds have also been used as a source of oil for cooking. Additionally, this plant is found in natural habitats and can be grown for landscaping in gardens.
General Appearance
Richardson's tansymustard is a biennial or perennial plant that may grow up to three feet tall, with a spreading, branching stem. The leaves are alternate, pinnately divided, and grow to be four to six inches long. The flowers are small, yellow, and sit atop elongate racemes that bloom in the summer. The fruits of the plant, which are curiously shaped, are long, narrow, and slightly curved seedpods that contain many small, round, black or brown seeds. The plant prefers dry soil and is often found in rocky or sandy areas.
Growth Conditions for Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. macrosperma O.E. Schulz
Light: Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. macrosperma O.E. Schulz requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade can result in reduced growth and fewer flowers.
Temperature: This plant is adapted to harsh environments and can tolerate extreme temperatures. It grows best in regions with a maximum temperature of 35°C and a minimum temperature of -18°C. However, this variability depends on different factors, such as altitude, latitude, and the season of the year.
Soil: Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. macrosperma O.E. Schulz can grow in a wide range of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils with low fertility and alkaline to neutral pH (7.2 to 8.5). This plant is adapted to arid regions and can tolerate soils with low organic matter content, high salinity, and nutrient deficiency.
Water: This plant has adapted to dry environments and can tolerate drought conditions. However, it requires occasional watering during the growing season, especially in regions with low precipitation. Overwatering can lead to root rot and plant death.
Fertilizer: Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. macrosperma O.E. Schulz does not require regular fertilization because it is adapted to low nutrient soils. However, applying a small amount of phosphorus-based fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season can promote root growth and increase yield.
Cultivation methods
Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. macrosperma O.E. Schulz is a hardy plant that tolerates various soil types and prefers full sun exposure. It is commonly grown from seeds, which can be sown directly into the ground in the spring. The soil should be prepared by loosening it and removing any debris. The seeds can be scattered and lightly covered with soil. Germination usually occurs within two weeks.
Watering needs
Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. macrosperma O.E. Schulz prefers a well-draining soil that is kept moderately moist. Watering should be done deeply but infrequently. During periods of drought, the plant may require more frequent watering. However, care should be taken not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. macrosperma O.E. Schulz does not require regular fertilization. However, a slow-release or organic fertilizer can be added to the soil during the growing season to promote healthy growth. Care should be taken not to over-fertilize as this can lead to excessive foliage growth instead of flower development.
Pruning
Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. macrosperma O.E. Schulz does not require regular pruning. However, deadheading spent flowers can help promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season. Additionally, any damaged or diseased foliage should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. macrosperma
Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. macrosperma O.E. Schulz, commonly known as Richardson's tansy mustard, can be propagated through seeds.
The plant produces abundant seeds that can be collected when the seed pods are dry. The seeds should be stored in an airtight container in a cool and dry place until they are ready to be sown.
The best time to sow the seeds is in early spring, after the danger of frost has passed. The seeds should be sown directly into the soil, as the plant does not transplant well. It is important to make sure that the soil is well-draining and moist, and that the seeds are sown at the correct depth.
Once the seeds have been sown, they should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. The seeds should germinate within two to three weeks, and the seedlings should be thinned to prevent overcrowding.
In addition to seed propagation, Richardson's tansy mustard can also propagate naturally through self-seeding. The plant produces seeds that are dispersed by the wind, allowing the plant to establish itself in new areas.
Disease Management:
Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. macrosperma O.E. Schulz is generally not affected by serious diseases. However, it can still suffer from fungal infections such as powdery mildew and damping-off disease. Powdery mildew is a common disease that can affect the plant's leaves and stems. This disease can be managed by applying fungicides that contain potassium bicarbonate or neem oil. Damping-off disease, on the other hand, can be prevented by planting seeds in well-draining soil that is not too wet or damp.
Pest Management:
Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. macrosperma O.E. Schulz can be attacked by various pests. Some common pests that can affect the plant include aphids, spider mites, and leafhoppers. These pests can cause damage to the plant by sucking on its sap or by feeding on its leaves.
To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation. Pest infestations can be treated with insecticidal soaps or neem oil sprays. These treatments are effective in killing pests while not harming the plant or the environment.
