Origin
Draba crassifolia Graham var. nevadensis C.L. Hitchc. is a type of perennial plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This species is commonly found in the Great Basin region of North America, specifically in the states of Nevada, Utah, and Idaho.
Common Names
Draba crassifolia Graham var. nevadensis C.L. Hitchc. is also known by several common names such as Nevada draba, thick-leaved draba, and Crandall's draba.
Uses
The Nevada draba plant is mainly used for its aesthetic value. It is a great addition to rock gardens and is perfect for xeriscaping, which is a method of gardening that utilizes low-water plants. It is also used for research purposes due to its ability to survive in harsh environments. This plant has been known to thrive in high elevations and dry soils.
General Appearance
The Nevada draba plant is a small, compact, and low-growing plant that reaches a maximum height of 5 inches. It has a rosette of short, thick leaves that are approximately 0.5 inches in length. The leaves are spoon-shaped, succulent, and grayish-green in color. The flowers of the Nevada draba plant are small and white, and they bloom in late spring or early summer. The plant produces seeds that are dispersed by wind.
Light Requirements
The Draba crassifolia Graham var. nevadensis C.L. Hitchc. plant requires full sun to part shade to thrive. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight to produce flowers and grow strong stems. Plants grown in shaded areas tend to develop weak stems and may not produce flowers. Therefore, it is best to grow this plant in a location that receives full morning sun and partial afternoon shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to subalpine and alpine climates, and it is adapted to withstand cold and harsh weather conditions. It grows best in areas with cool and moist summers, with average temperatures around 60-65°F (15-18°C) during the day and 40-45°F (4-7°C) at night. During the winter, it can tolerate temperatures as low as -23°F (-30°C). However, extreme heat during the summer can cause stress to the plant, so it's best to provide some shade during the hottest months.
Soil Requirements
Draba crassifolia Graham var. nevadensis C.L. Hitchc. prefers well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil with a pH range from 6.0 to 7.0. The plant is adapted to the nutrient-poor soils found in high-altitude regions, so it does not require a lot of fertilization. Amending the soil with compost or other organic matter can help improve soil structure and nutrient availability. However, it is important not to over-fertilize as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduce flowering.
Cultivation of Draba crassifolia Graham var. nevadensis C.L. Hitchc.
Draba crassifolia Graham var. nevadensis C.L. Hitchc. is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It is adapted to the harsh conditions of the alpine region and can grow in rocky, gravelly soils.
The plant prefers a well-draining soil with a pH of around 5.0 to 6.5. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as the plant is susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions.
It is best to grow Draba crassifolia Graham var. nevadensis C.L. Hitchc. in full sun to partial shade. The plant can withstand cold temperatures and is frost resistant.
Watering Needs
To ensure the successful growth of Draba crassifolia Graham var. nevadensis C.L. Hitchc., it is important to balance the humidity of the plant's environment. The plant requires moderate watering and should be watered when the soil is almost dry to the touch.
A good rule of thumb is to water the plant every 7-10 days in the summer and every 10-14 days in the winter. Be sure not to overwater the plant, as it is very susceptible to root rot.
Fertilization
Draba crassifolia Graham var. nevadensis C.L. Hitchc. does not require heavy fertilization. It is best to apply a light application of fertilizer in the springtime and again in the fall. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Be careful not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to excessive growth and make it more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Draba crassifolia Graham var. nevadensis C.L. Hitchc. does not require heavy pruning. However, if the plant becomes too dense, it is best to remove some of the oldest stems to encourage new growth.
Pruning should be done in the early spring before new growth appears. It is best to use sharp pruning shears and to make clean cuts to prevent damage to the plant.
Propagation of Draba crassifolia Graham var. nevadensis C.L. Hitchc.
Draba crassifolia Graham var. nevadensis C.L. Hitchc., also known as Nevada rockcress, can be propagated using various methods. These include seed propagation, stem cuttings, and division.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of reproducing Nevada rockcress. The seeds can be collected from the plant in late summer or early fall, and then sown in containers or directly in the ground in the fall or early spring.
When sowing the seeds, it is important to choose a well-draining soil mix and ensure that the seeds are not buried too deep in the soil. An appropriate depth is 1 to 1.5 times the diameter of the seed. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged until the seedlings emerge.
Stem Cuttings
Draba crassifolia Graham var. nevadensis C.L. Hitchc. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting from a healthy plant and rooting it in a rooting hormone or in water.
The cuttings should be taken from the plant in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cutting should be about 4-6 inches long and should be taken from the softwood section of the stem. After dipping the cut end of the cutting into rooting hormone, it should be placed into a well-draining soil mix or in water. The cutting should be kept moist until it roots.
Division
Another method of propagating Draba crassifolia Graham var. nevadensis C.L. Hitchc. is by division. This method involves splitting an established plant into smaller sections and planting each section separately.
The best time for dividing the plant is in the fall or early spring when the plant is dormant. Carefully lift the plant out of the soil and separate the clumps, ensuring that each section has enough roots and foliage to survive. Each section should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until it establishes new roots.
Disease Management
Draba crassifolia Graham var. nevadensis C.L. Hitchc. is susceptible to several diseases. Some of the common diseases that may affect the plant include:
- Botrytis blight: This can cause rotting of leaves and stems. It can be controlled by regularly pruning affected parts and improving ventilation around the plant. Avoid overwatering the plant to prevent water from standing on the leaves and causing infection.
- Anthracnose: This can cause wilting and death of the plant. Prune and destroy the affected parts of the plant. Regular application of copper-based fungicides can help control the spread of the disease.
- Root rot: This is caused by waterlogging in the soil and can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die. Avoid overwatering and ensure drainage is sufficient. Quarantine and destroy affected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Draba crassifolia Graham var. nevadensis C.L. Hitchc. can also be affected by pests. Here are some common pests and ways to control them:
- Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the plant and can cause distortion and yellowing of leaves. Use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control infestations.
- Spider mites: These are tiny mites that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing a yellow stippling effect. Use a strong jet of water to remove them and if needed, apply insecticidal soap.
- Whiteflies: These small white insects feed on the plant sap and produce honeydew, leading to the growth of sooty mold. Use yellow sticky traps or apply insecticidal soap to control these pests.
Regular inspection and monitoring of the plant can help in the early detection and treatment of diseases and pests. Proper sanitation practices such as cleaning up dead leaves and fallen debris around the plant can also help prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
