Draba breweri S. Wats. var. cana (Rydb.) Rollins: A Detailed Description
Draba breweri S. Wats. var. cana (Rydb.) Rollins is a plant species that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. The origin of this plant species is North America, specifically in the western regions of the United States.
Common Names
This plant species is commonly known as Brewer's draba or Brewer's whitlow-grass. The name “Brewer” comes from William Henry Brewer, an American botanist who first discovered this species in 1861 during an expedition in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Uses
Brewer's draba has medicinal properties that can be used for treating skin diseases, wounds, and toothache. The plant also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful in traditional medicine.
Aside from its medicinal use, Brewer's draba is also used as an ornamental plant. Its small, delicate yellow flowers bloom in spring, making it a beautiful addition to gardens and landscapes.
General Appearance
Brewer's draba is a small perennial herb that grows up to 5 centimeters tall. It has a rosette of basal leaves that are linear-oblong and hairy. The leaves are about 2 centimeters long and 2 millimeters wide. The flowers are small and yellow, with four petals. The plant produces a small fruit called a silique that contains tiny seeds.
The plant can be found in rocky areas, alpine meadows, and subalpine zones at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 meters above sea level. It prefers well-drained soils with high organic content and full sun exposure for proper growth.
Overall, Brewer's draba is a unique and useful plant species that has diverse applications in both traditional medicine and ornamental gardening.
Light Requirements
Draba breweri S. Wats. var. cana (Rydb.) Rollins thrives in full sun to partial shade environments. Direct sunlight exposure is ideal but they can adapt to partial shade conditions. The plant requires an adequate amount of sunlight to photosynthesize and grow properly. Therefore, it is not advisable to grow them in complete shade environments.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in cool to cold temperatures with daytime temperatures ranging from 40 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Nighttime temperatures should stay above freezing and below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Draba breweri S. Wats. var. cana (Rydb.) Rollins can survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Excessive heat and the dry climate should be avoided as it can cause the plant to wither and lose its attractive appearance.
Soil Requirements
The plant has a preference for moist, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. However, it can also grow in rocky, gravelly, or sandy soils. It is crucial to ensure that the soil is well-drained as the plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soil. A mixture of organic matter and sand should be added to the soil when necessary. Fertilizers should not be overused as they can cause an imbalance and negatively affect the growth pattern.
Cultivation Methods
Draba breweri S. Wats. var. cana (Rydb.) Rollins, also known as alpine draba, is a perennial herb that prefers well-drained soils. This plant grows best in areas exposed to full sun but can thrive in partial shade. It is crucial to plant the seeds or transplant seedlings in late spring or early summer. This period ensures that the plant has time to establish roots before the onset of winter.
Watering Needs
This species is native to alpine regions, where it receives minimal rainfall. As such, it is susceptible to root rot if it receives too much water. It is crucial to water the plant sparingly in well-draining soil. The plant prefers cool temperatures, and it is advisable to use cold water to irrigate it during hot seasons.
Fertilization
Alpine draba is a low-maintenance plant that does not require high amounts of fertilizers. It is advisable to use organic fertilizers such as compost or manure sparingly. The plant prefers soils with a low pH, and adding nitrogen-based fertilizers can make the soil acidic.
Pruning
Alpine draba is a low-growth plant that requires minimal pruning. However, it is advisable to prune the plant regularly to encourage bushy growth and maintain its shape. Pruning can be done in early spring, and it involves cutting out the dead and damaged branches.
Propagation of Draba breweri S. Wats. var. cana (Rydb.) Rollins
Draba breweri S. Wats. var. cana (Rydb.) Rollins is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. The plant is native to the United States and grows well in shaded areas with moist soils. Propagation of this plant is by seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation of Draba breweri S. Wats. var. cana (Rydb.) Rollins by seeds is quite easy. The seeds can be collected from matured plants and stored in a cool, dry area until planting time. The best time to plant the seeds is in the spring when temperatures are cool. Before planting, the seeds should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours to increase their germination rate. The seeds can then be sown in a well-draining seed tray, covered with a thin layer of soil and lightly watered. The tray should be placed in a shaded area and kept moist until the seedlings emerge.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Draba breweri S. Wats. var. cana (Rydb.) Rollins by cuttings is a bit more challenging as this method has a lower success rate compared to seed propagation. To propagate the plant by cuttings, take a stem cutting from a mature plant during the summer when the plant is actively growing. Cut a 3-4 inch stem and remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining potting soil. Keep the soil moist and placed the pot in partial shade. It may take up to six weeks for roots to develop, and the new plant can be transplanted to a permanent location in its second growing season.
Overall, Draba breweri S. Wats. var. cana (Rydb.) Rollins is not a difficult plant to propagate, and both seed and cutting propagation can be used to propagate the plant, however, it is important to follow the correct procedures to increase the chances of successful propagation.
Disease Management
There are several diseases that can affect the Draba breweri S. Wats. var. cana (Rydb.) Rollins plant. Some common diseases include:
- Downy mildew: This disease is caused by the fungus Peronospora drabae and can cause significant damage to the plant. Symptoms include yellowing and wilting of leaves, as well as the development of a white, fuzzy growth on the underside of leaves. To manage downy mildew, it is important to keep foliage dry by avoiding overhead watering and providing good air circulation around the plant. Fungicides may also be used as a preventative measure.
- Blackleg: This disease is caused by the bacteria Phoma lingam and can cause blackened stems and wilting of the plant. To manage blackleg, crop rotation is recommended, as well as sanitation practices such as removing infected plant debris from the growing area.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by several fungi and can result in stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and wilting. To manage root rot, it is important to provide well-draining soil and avoid overwatering the plant. Fungicides may also be used as a preventative measure.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can affect the Draba breweri S. Wats. var. cana (Rydb.) Rollins plant. Some common pests include:
- Aphids: These small insects can cluster on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils may be used, or natural predators such as ladybugs may be introduced to the growing area.
- Cabbage loopers: These caterpillars can chew on the leaves of the plant, causing significant damage. To manage cabbage loopers, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of the pest and manually remove them. Bacillus thuringiensis, a natural bacteria that is toxic to caterpillars, may also be used as a control measure.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling of leaves, as well as the development of fine webbing. To manage spider mites, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of the pest and provide good air circulation around the plant. Insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils may also be used as a control measure.
