Overview
Draba crassifolia Graham var. typica C.L. Hitchc. is a small, alpine perennial plant native to western North America. It is a member of the mustard family (Brassicaceae), and is known by several common names, including thickleaf draba and cushion draba.
Appearance
Thickleaf draba typically grows in small, cushion-like clumps that are rarely more than a few inches tall. The plant has fleshy, oblong leaves that are dark green in color and covered in tiny hairs. The stems of the plant are thin and wiry, and bear small clusters of white or yellow flowers in the spring and summer.
Habitat
Thickleaf draba is found primarily in alpine and subalpine environments, growing in rocky or gravelly soils. It is most commonly found in the rocky crags and talus slopes of mountain ranges in the western United States and Canada.
Uses
While thickleaf draba has not been extensively studied, it is believed to have some medicinal properties, particularly as a treatment for respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis. The plant is also sometimes used as a food source by wildlife such as sheep and marmots.
Growth Conditions for Draba crassifolia Graham var. typica C.L. Hitchc.
Draba crassifolia Graham var. typica C.L. Hitchc. is a perennial plant species that grows best in temperate regions with cool weather conditions. It is commonly found in alpine and subalpine environments in North America. The following are the growth conditions required by this plant species.
Light requirements
Draba crassifolia Graham var. typica C.L. Hitchc. prefers growing in areas with full sun exposure. The plant needs a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Limited sunlight exposure usually leads to weak growth and smaller leaves. The plant can tolerate some shade, but too much could lead to stunted growth or delayed flowering.
Temperature requirements
This plant species prefers cooler temperatures ranging from 5 to 18 degrees Celsius. It is well adapted to cool mountainous environments and can withstand colder temperatures. Higher temperatures could cause the plant to grow slowly or even wilt. Extreme heat can also damage the leaves, and the plant may stop growing, reducing the yields.
Soil requirements
Draba crassifolia Graham var. typica C.L. Hitchc. grows best in well-drained soils with medium to high fertility levels and a pH ranging from 5.0 to 7.5. The plant prefers slightly acidic soils but can tolerate slightly alkaline or neutral soils. It is sensitive to dry soils, so adequate irrigation is necessary, particularly during dry spells. The plant is also adapted to rocky soils and can grow in challenging terrains where other plants cannot survive.
Cultivation Methods
Draba crassifolia Graham var. typica C.L. Hitchc. can be grown outdoors in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. The plant is drought-tolerant and can thrive in rocky terrain or areas with poor soil quality. It is important to sow the seeds in the spring when the soil has warmed up.
Watering Needs
While Draba crassifolia Graham var. typica C.L. Hitchc. is drought-tolerant, it still requires some watering for optimal growth. Water the plant once a week during the growing season, taking care not to overwater it. During periods of drought, the plant may need more frequent watering.
Fertilization
Draba crassifolia Graham var. typica C.L. Hitchc. does not require much fertilization, but a light feeding in the spring can improve growth. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer and be careful not to overfeed the plant. Too much fertilizer can result in excessive foliage growth and fewer flowers.
Pruning
Draba crassifolia Graham var. typica C.L. Hitchc. does not require regular pruning. However, removing any dead or diseased stems can improve the plant's appearance and overall health. Prune the plant in the spring after the flowering period has ended.
Propagation of Draba crassifolia Graham var. typica C.L. Hitchc.
Draba crassifolia is a slow-growing plant that can be propagated through seed, division, or cuttings. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages and requires a different set of skills and equipment.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is the most common method of propagating Draba crassifolia. The seeds of this plant are small and require light to germinate. They should be sown on the surface of a well-draining potting mix and lightly pressed into place. The potting mix should be kept moist and warm (around 70 degrees Fahrenheit) until the seeds germinate, which can take up to two weeks.
Once the seedlings have established true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual containers. It's important to be very gentle during transplanting, as the seedlings have delicate roots. Keep the seedlings in a warm, bright location and water them regularly until they are ready to be transplanted into their permanent location.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division involves separating a mature Draba crassifolia plant into smaller sections and replanting them individually. This method is typically used when a plant has outgrown its current container or location and needs to be divided to enhance growth.
The plant should be removed from the soil and gently separated into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a healthy root system. These sections can then be replanted into individual containers or directly into the ground, adding fresh soil and keeping the soil moist until the plant is established.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is a method that involves taking a stem cutting from a mature Draba crassifolia plant and rooting it in soil or water. This is the most challenging method of propagation, as it requires precise timing, skill, and specific equipment.
The cutting should be taken from a healthy, mature plant in the spring, when new growth is just starting. The cutting should be about 3-6 inches long and should include at least two nodes. The lower leaves can be removed to reduce water loss, and the cutting should be treated with a rooting hormone to promote root development.
The cutting can be rooted in soil or water, and it should be kept in a warm, bright location with high humidity until roots develop. Once the cutting has developed roots, it can be transplanted into a container or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Draba crassifolia Graham var. typica C.L. Hitchc.
Draba crassifolia Graham var. typica C.L. Hitchc. is a hardy alpine plant that is relatively disease and pest-resistant. However, certain pests and diseases may still affect the plant, and it is essential to manage them to maintain the health of the plant.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that may affect Draba crassifolia var. typica is powdery mildew. It is a fungal disease that appears as a powdery white coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is necessary to remove infected plant parts and improve air circulation around the plant. Applying a fungicide can also help control the spread of the disease.
Another fungal disease that may affect the plant is Pythium root rot. The disease causes the root system to rot, resulting in the death of the plant. Managing Pythium root rot involves ensuring proper drainage around the plant, avoiding overwatering, and planting the plant in well-draining soil.
Common Pests
The common pests that may affect Draba crassifolia var. typica include aphids, mites, and cutworms. Aphids and mites suck the sap of the plant, causing wilting and yellowing of the leaves. Cutworms are caterpillars that cause damage to the stem of the plant. To manage these pests, it is necessary to apply insecticides and use beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings that feed on these pests.
Another common pest that may affect the plant is the flea beetle. The flea beetle causes small holes in the leaves of the plant, leading to defoliation. To manage flea beetles, it is necessary to use insecticides and cover the plants with floating row covers.
It is essential to monitor the plant regularly for signs of disease and pest infestation to catch and manage problems early. A proactive approach to disease and pest management is crucial for the successful growth and health of the Draba crassifolia var. typica plant.
