Overview:
Draba cruciata Payson var. integrifolia C.L. Hitchc. & C.W. Sharsmith is a small perennial plant that belongs to the mustard family, Brassicaceae. The plant is commonly known as Sierra draba or Crossed draba and is native to the western United States.
Appearance:
The plant typically grows up to 2-3 inches tall and has small basal leaves that are ovate or oblong in shape. The leaves are mostly toothed or occasionally smooth. The stems are branched and bear a few tiny white or yellow flowers that bloom between April to July. The flowers are almost invisible and have four petals that are usually shorter than the sepals. The plant mainly spreads through its seeds.
Uses:
Medicinally, Draba cruciata Payson var. integrifolia C.L. Hitchc. & C.W. Sharsmith has been used in traditional medicine as an astringent, a diuretic, and to treat skin conditions. It has also been used as a food source for livestock.
Culturally, the plant plays a significant role in the ecosystem as it provides essential nutrients and serves as a food source for pollinators like bees.
Conclusion:
Sierra draba, also known as Draba cruciata Payson var. integrifolia C.L. Hitchc. & C.W. Sharsmith is a small but valuable plant that benefits both humans and wildlife. Its medicinal value and role in the ecosystem make it an essential plant to study and preserve.
Growth Conditions of Draba cruciata Payson var. integrifolia C.L. Hitchc. & C.W. Sharsmith
Draba cruciata Payson var. integrifolia C.L. Hitchc. & C.W. Sharsmith is a perennial herb plant species that can be found growing in subalpine and alpine habitats, particularly in rocky and gravelly slopes, as well as dry meadows and ridges. For this plant to thrive, the following growth conditions should be met:
Light Requirements
The plant needs full sun to partial shade, meaning it thrives in areas where there is high, direct sunlight for at least six hours a day or dappled sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
Draba cruciata Payson var. integrifolia C.L. Hitchc. & C.W. Sharsmith prefers cool to cold temperatures and can tolerate freezing conditions. It can grow in areas with temperatures that range from -40°C in the winter to 20°C in the summer.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is sandy or gravely and has a pH level of between 6.0 and 7.0. It can also grow in soils that are slightly acidic or alkaline but not too extreme. Additionally, the plant prefers soils that are rich in nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus.
Cultivation Methods
Draba cruciata Payson var. integrifolia C.L. Hitchc. & C.W. Sharsmith is a perennial plant that requires well-draining soil for cultivation. This plant can grow in rocky or gravelly soils, making it ideal for rock gardens or containers.
When planting, ensure that the plant is placed in a location that receives full sun or partial shade. It is also important to provide a protective cover, such as mulch or stones, to prevent the soil from becoming too dry.
Watering Needs
Draba cruciata Payson var. integrifolia C.L. Hitchc. & C.W. Sharsmith needs to be watered regularly, especially during the dry season. It is important to avoid over-watering as this can cause root rot.
When watering, ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. If the soil appears to dry out quickly, consider adding a layer of mulch or stones to retain moisture.
Fertilization
Draba cruciata Payson var. integrifolia C.L. Hitchc. & C.W. Sharsmith does not require frequent fertilization. However, adding a slow-release fertilizer during the growing period can promote healthy growth.
Avoid applying fertilizer during the dormant period, as this can cause the plant to produce weak growth during the following growing season.
Pruning
Draba cruciata Payson var. integrifolia C.L. Hitchc. & C.W. Sharsmith does not require pruning, as it maintains a compact growth habit. However, removing dead or damaged growth can promote healthy growth and prevent disease.
If the plant begins to grow too large for the desired location, consider dividing the plant and replanting in a new location.
Propagation of Draba cruciata Payson var. integrifolia C.L. Hitchc. & C.W. Sharsmith
Draba cruciata Payson var. integrifolia C.L. Hitchc. & C.W. Sharsmith, commonly known as the wholeleaf draba, is a native plant of California's Sierra Nevada mountains. It is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial that typically grows in rocky places and alpine areas at elevations of 7,000 to 12,500 feet.
Seed Propagation
The most common way to propagate Draba cruciata Payson var. integrifolia is through seed propagation. The seeds are very small, and a single seedpod can contain dozens of seeds. The best time to collect the seeds is in late summer when the seed pods dry out and turn brown.
Before sowing the seeds, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or other debris. Sow the seeds on the surface, lightly cover them with soil, and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge. Seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots or the ground once they are large enough to handle.
Vegetative Propagation
Draba cruciata Payson var. integrifolia can also be propagated by vegetative means, including root division, stem cuttings, and layering.
Root division is the process of separating the plant's rhizomes or roots and planting them in another location. Stem cuttings involve taking a small cutting from the plant and planting it in soil or rooting hormone. Layering is a method in which a portion of the plant is buried in soil while still attached to the parent plant until it roots. After the roots have formed, the new plant can be cut away from the parent plant and planted in its new location.
Overall, Draba cruciata Payson var. integrifolia is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to propagate. Whether through seed propagation or vegetative means, with the right environmental conditions, this plant can be successfully propagated and grown in a variety of locations.
Disease and Pest Management for Draba cruciata Payson var. integrifolia C.L. Hitchc. & C.W. Sharsmith
Draba cruciata Payson var. integrifolia C.L. Hitchc. & C.W. Sharsmith, commonly known as the Intermountain whitlow-grass, is a small perennial plant that is native to western North America. While this plant is relatively disease and pest-resistant, there are still some diseases and pests that can cause problems. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Bacterial soft rot is a common disease that can affect many plants, including Draba cruciata. This disease is caused by bacteria that can enter the plant through wounds or natural openings. Once inside the plant, the bacteria will cause the plant to rot and become mushy. To manage bacterial soft rot, it is important to keep the plant healthy and free from injuries, as well as remove and destroy any infected plant material. Additionally, avoid overhead watering and do not handle the plant when it is wet.
Another common disease that can affect Draba cruciata is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, make sure there is good air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and remove any infected plant material.
Pests
While Draba cruciata is relatively pest-resistant, there are still some pests that can cause problems. One of the most common pests that can affect this plant is aphids. Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunting, yellowing, and distorted growth. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soaps or oils, or release natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Another pest that can affect Draba cruciata is the flea beetle. Flea beetles are small, jumping beetles that can cause small holes in the leaves, making them look stippled or shot-holed. To manage flea beetles, you can use floating row covers to exclude the beetles from the plant, or use insecticides that are labeled for flea beetle control.
By monitoring Draba cruciata regularly for signs of disease or pests and taking action as soon as a problem is detected, you can help keep this plant healthy and thriving in your garden.
