Description of Descurainia Richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. Procera (Greene) Breitung
Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. procera (Greene) Breitung, commonly known as tall tansy mustard, is a herbaceous plant in the Brassicaceae family that grows across western North America, particularly in the Great Basin and Intermountain West regions.
General Appearance
Tall tansy mustard can grow up to 3 feet in height and is characterized by its narrow, linear leaves that are deeply lobed. The flowering stem is branched and produces small, yellow flowers from late spring to summer. The plant produces a long, narrow, and pointed seedpod with seeds that can remain viable for years.
Common Names
Tall tansy mustard is commonly known by several other names, including Richardson's tansymustard, Western tansy mustard, pretty tansy mustard, and mountain tansy mustard.
Uses
The plant has been used by various tribes of Native Americans for medicinal purposes, including treating colds and respiratory infections. It has also been used as a food source, with the young leaves and shoots being consumed raw or cooked. The plant is also used as forage for livestock and wildlife, particularly for birds such as grouse and quail.
Light
Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. procera requires full sun to partial shade to grow and thrive properly. It can tolerate direct sunlight for long periods and prefers an open habitat with little to no shading from trees or other vegetation.
Temperature
The plant is adapted to survive in a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers cool temperatures and can withstand frost and low temperatures. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 15°C to 25°C. It does not grow well in hot and dry conditions but will still survive.
Soil Requirements
Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. procera prefers well-draining soils with a neutral pH between 7.0 to 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, gravelly, and clay soils, provided there is good drainage. The plant is also adapted to grow in soils with low nutrient content and can withstand prolonged periods of drought.
Cultivation Methods
Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. procera (Greene) Breitung, commonly known as tall tansy mustard, is a hardy plant that grows well in most soils and environmental conditions. The plant is best cultivated in areas with full sun exposure. It can be grown from seeds or cuttings and requires minimal care once established.
Watering Needs
Tall tansy mustard is a drought-tolerant plant that requires minimal watering. During the growing season, the plant should be watered once a week to maintain soil moisture. However, excessive watering can lead to root rot and other diseases. In areas with heavy rainfall, the plant can thrive without additional watering.
Fertilization
Tall tansy mustard does not require regular fertilization. However, applying a balanced fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season can help promote healthy growth. It is advisable to avoid excessive fertilization as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced seed production.
Pruning
Tall tansy mustard does not require regular pruning, but deadheading spent flowers can help promote continuous blooming. The plant can have a bushy appearance, and pruning can help maintain its shape and size. It is advisable to prune the plant after blooming season to avoid damaging new growth.
Propagation of Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. procera
Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. procera, commonly known as tall tansy mustard, is a flowering plant native to North America. The plant can be propagated through various methods.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. procera is through seed propagation. The plant produces a large number of small seeds that can be collected and stored for later use. The seeds should be sown in late fall or early spring in well-drained soil. To increase germination rates, the seeds can be stratified for several weeks before sowing.
Cuttings
Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. procera can also be propagated through softwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are taken from the current season's growth and rooted in a propagating mix. The cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer and placed in a shaded area until they have established roots.
Division
Division is another method of propagating Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. procera. The plant can be divided in spring or fall when it is dormant. The root ball should be carefully dug up and divided into smaller sections. Each section should have some roots and shoots and should be planted in well-drained soil.
Propagation of Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. procera can be easily achieved through seed propagation, softwood cuttings, or division. Whatever the method used, care should be taken to ensure that the plant is given the appropriate growing conditions to thrive.
Disease Management
Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. procera is prone to various diseases that include:
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by various species of fungi, which attack the roots of the plant. Symptoms of root rot include a gradual decline in plant growth, wilting, and yellowing of leaves. To manage root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid over-watering the plant. Additionally, you can consider using fungicides to control the disease.
- Crown Rot: Crown rot is primarily caused by a fungus, Rhizoctonia solani. Symptoms of the disease include wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. To manage crown rot, avoid over-watering the plant and ensure proper drainage. Additionally, using fungicides can help control the disease.
- Mildew: Powdery mildew is caused by the fungus, Erysiphe cichoracearum. Symptoms of the disease include the presence of white powdery residue on the leaves and stems. To manage mildew, consider using fungicides that specifically target the disease.
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by fungi and bacteria. Symptoms of leaf spot include the appearance of dark spots on the foliage. To control leaf spot, ensure good air circulation and avoid over-watering the plant. Additionally, using fungicides can help manage the disease.
Pest Management
Descurainia richardsonii O.E. Schulz var. procera can also be impacted by various pests that include:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. Symptoms of aphid infestation include curled leaves and stunted growth. To manage aphids, consider using insecticidal oils or soap sprays.
- Cabbage Looper: Cabbage loopers are caterpillars that feed on the foliage of the plant. Symptoms of caterpillar infestation include holes in the foliage and skeletonized leaves. To manage caterpillars, consider using Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or other insecticide sprays.
- Snails and Slugs: These are mollusks that can feed on the foliage and damage the plant. Symptoms of snail and slug infestation include holes in leaves and slime trails. To control snails and slugs, consider using traps, baits or handpicking them off the plant.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause damage to the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves. Symptoms of spider mite infestation include yellowing leaves and the presence of webbing. To manage spider mites, consider using insecticidal soap or horticultural oils.
