Overview of Draba arabisans Michx. var. superiorensis Butters & Abbe
Draba arabisans Michx. var. superiorensis Butters & Abbe is a small, perennial plant in the Brassicaceae family. It is a rare subalpine and alpine species native to North America. This plant can be found growing in rocky ledges, talus slopes, and scree areas in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Alberta, Canada.
Common names for Draba arabisans Michx. var. superiorensis Butters & Abbe
Draba arabisans Michx. var. superiorensis Butters & Abbe has several common names, including Superior whitlow-grass, Showy rockcress, and White rockcress.
Uses of Draba arabisans Michx. var. superiorensis Butters & Abbe
This plant has no known significant economic or medicinal value, although it is used in restoration projects to stabilize disturbed alpine areas.
Appearance of Draba arabisans Michx. var. superiorensis Butters & Abbe
Draba arabisans Michx. var. superiorensis Butters & Abbe is a low-growing plant, usually only reaching heights of 2-10 cm. It has a basal rosette of leaves and produces a single stem with several flowers. The leaves are small, linear, and have smooth margins. The flowers are showy, white to light lavender, and have four petals. This plant blooms from May to August.
Light Requirements:
Draba arabisans Michx. var. superiorensis Butters & Abbe typically grow best in full sun to partial shade environments. This means that the plant requires at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day to thrive.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant prefers cool to cold temperatures and performs best in zones 4-6 of USDA Hardiness zones. The ideal temperature range for the germination of Draba arabisans Michx. var. superiorensis Butters & Abbe is between 40-60°F (4-15°C). The temperature range for the growth and development of the plant is between 60-70°F (15-21°C). The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C) if the soil is well-drained and not wet.
Soil Requirements:
Draba arabisans Michx. var. superiorensis Butters & Abbe prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic. The ideal pH range for the growth and development of the plant is between 6.0-6.5. The plant requires soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. The soil should be aerated and should have a good water holding capacity. The plant can tolerate poor soil conditions, but it performs best in soils that are fertile and well-drained.
Cultivation Methods
Draba arabisans Michx. var. superiorensis Butters & Abbe is best grown in a location with full sun exposure, but it can also grow partially in shade. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH ranging from 5.0 - 7.0. It grows well in well-draining soils such as loam, sandy loam, or gravelly soils.
It is advisable to start cultivation by sowing seeds after the last frost. Lightly cover the seeds with soil, and water gently. Germination can take between 1-3 weeks at a soil temperature of 45 - 50°F (7.5-10°C). Once seedlings sprout, thin them to achieve a spacing of 6-8 inches apart from each other to allow proper plant growth and development.
Watering Needs
Draba arabisans Michx. var. superiorensis Butters & Abbe requires moderate and consistent watering. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal infections. Avoid overhead watering as it may promote the growth of fungal infections that can damage the plant.
The water needs of the plant are higher during the growing season and significantly reduced during the dormant season. In the case of established plants, they can withstand short periods of drought. Water the plant at the root zone to prevent waterlogging, which can damage the roots and affect plant growth.
Fertilization
Draba arabisans Michx. var. superiorensis Butters & Abbe does not require much fertilization. Fertilize the plant every spring with a slow-release granular fertilizer that is rich in phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen. Alternatively, use a balanced fertilizer with the ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. This will help boost plant growth and flowering.
Avoid overfertilization as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth, at the expense of flowering. Overfertilizing can also lead to the accumulation of salt in the soil, which may damage the plant.
Pruning
Deadheading is necessary for Draba arabisans Michx. var. superiorensis Butters & Abbe, especially after the plant has bloomed. Remove any dead flowers or foliage to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. The plant may also be pruned in early spring to remove any damage from the previous winter and to shape the plant to the desired size and shape.
Be mindful of the timing and method of pruning to avoid cutting off new growth or damaging the plant. Pruning too late into the fall or early winter can also weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to winter damage.
Propagation of Draba arabisans Michx. var. superiorensis Butters & Abbe
The propagation of Draba arabisans Michx. var. superiorensis Butters & Abbe can be achieved by several methods. These methods are:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Draba arabisans Michx. var. superiorensis Butters & Abbe is through seeds. The seeds are collected from mature plants and sown directly into the ground or in containers. The ideal time for seed sowing is during spring when the temperature is warm. The seedlings should be watered regularly and protected from direct sunlight until they are strong enough to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Vegetative propagation
Another propagation method is through vegetative propagation. This method involves taking cuttings from the parent plant and planting them in a suitable potting medium. The cuttings should be taken during the growing season, preferably in spring or early summer. They should then be kept in a shaded area and watered frequently. Once the cuttings have developed strong roots, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the ground.
Division propagation
Division propagation is another method that can be used to propagate Draba arabisans Michx. var. superiorensis Butters & Abbe. This method involves dividing mature plants into smaller sections, each with its own root system. To achieve this, the parent plant is dug out of the ground and carefully divided into separate sections. The sections are then replanted into individual containers or directly into the ground. It is important to ensure that each section has its own root system to avoid damaging the plants.
Disease Management
Draba arabisans Michx. var. superiorensis Butters & Abbe might suffer from several diseases, including fungal diseases and viral diseases. The most common fungal diseases that affect this plant are powdery mildew and root rot. Powdery mildew is characterized by a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems, while root rot's symptoms include wilting and yellowing of leaves, root discoloration, and stunted growth. The best way to manage fungal diseases is to maintain adequate air circulation around the plant, prune infected parts, and apply fungicides.
On the other hand, viral diseases such as cucumber mosaic virus and tomato spotted wilt virus can also infect Draba arabisans Michx. var. superiorensis Butters & Abbe. The symptoms include stunted growth, distorted leaves, and mottled or discolored foliage. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral infections. The only effective way of managing viral diseases is by removing infected plants and monitoring the plant regularly to prevent further spread of the disease.
Pest Management
There are different pests to which Draba arabisans Michx. var. superiorensis Butters & Abbe is susceptible, such as aphids, mites, and caterpillars. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking or chewing on the leaves and stems.
One of the most effective ways of managing pests is by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, and praying mantises. Moreover, you can apply insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils to control pests' populations. It is recommended to use organic insecticides to prevent any harm to beneficial insects and bees.
Another common pest that affects this plant is the flea beetle, which causes tiny holes in the leaves. To manage flea beetles, you can apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Furthermore, a technique called row covers can help prevent flea beetles from attacking your plant. Row covers are made of a lightweight, breathable fabric that protects plants from pests and harsh weather conditions.
Overall, maintaining proper plant care practices such as watering, fertilizing, and providing adequate sunlight can help prevent diseases and pest infestations in Draba arabisans Michx. var. superiorensis Butters & Abbe.
