Origin
Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. pattersonii (O.E. Schultz) Rollins, commonly known as Patterson's whitlowgrass or Patterson's draba, is a plant species that belongs to the mustard family Brassicaceae. It is native to North America, where it is found in the western United States and Canada.
Common Names
The common name, Patterson's whitlowgrass or Patterson's draba, is in recognition of its discoverer, C. G. Patterson, who collected the first specimens in Montana during the 1890s. It is also known as Patterson's rockcress and Patterson's wallcress.
Uses
Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. pattersonii has no recorded medicinal use. However, various bird and mammal species feed on the plant, including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk and pronghorn antelope. As an alpine plant, it is also used for landscaping and as an ornamental plant in rock gardens.
General Appearance
Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. pattersonii is a low-growing, perennial herb that grows to a height of about 5-20 cm in elevation. Its leaves are dark green, basal rosette, and have lance-shaped leaflets that are arranged alternately. The foliage and flowers are tiny and delicate, with flowers 2-3mm in diameter, consisting of four white or pale yellow petals, which bloom from May to August. The plant is adapted to arid environments, and its roots are shallow and well-adapted to rocky soils.
Light Requirements
Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. pattersonii prefers growing in full sunlight or partial shade. It can tolerate direct sunlight but may wilt if exposed to heat.
Temperature Range
The plant prefers growing in a cool environment with temperatures ranging from 4-20 °C (39-68 °F) but can tolerate temperatures of up to 25 °C (77 °F).
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Draba fladnizensis var. pattersonii is well-drained, gravelly or sandy loam. It grows well in the rocky alpine regions of North America. Soil pH can range from neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.0-7.5).
Water Requirements
Draba fladnizensis var. pattersonii is adapted to the dry conditions of its habitat and prefers soil that is well-drained. It does not tolerate standing water or overly wet soil. Infrequent watering is preferred.
Nutrient Requirements
Draba fladnizensis var. pattersonii is not heavy feeder and can thrive in soils with low nutrient content. However, it will benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Cultivation
Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. pattersonii (O.E. Schultz) Rollins is a hardy perennial plant that is relatively easy to grow and does well in most soil types. It prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral and can tolerate full sun to partial shade.
To cultivate this plant successfully, start by selecting a suitable location that meets the above requirements. Dig holes that are twice the size of the plant roots, and ensure you spread them out adequately. Incorporate organic matter such as compost and mulch into the soil to promote drainage, fertility, and moisture retention.
Once you've planted the seedlings, water them thoroughly to help them establish roots. Expect germination to occur within 14 to 28 days, depending on the soil temperature.
Watering Needs
While Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. pattersonii (O.E. Schultz) Rollins is a hardy plant that can withstand drought, it does best when the soil is kept consistently moist. Therefore, it's essential to water this plant regularly, especially during the growing season or when the weather is hot and dry. However, avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
It's best to water this plant deeply, providing water to the roots rather than the foliage. Watering deeply also promotes deeper and stronger root growth, making the plant more resilient. Check the soil before watering to avoid over or underwatering.
Fertilization
Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. pattersonii (O.E. Schultz) Rollins is a light feeder and can thrive in poor soils. Fertilization is not necessary, but it can enhance growth and flowering.
If you choose to fertilize, use a slow-release fertilizer, preferably rich in nitrogen and potassium, during the early spring when the plant is actively growing. Avoid using too much fertilizer, as it can cause excessive growth with fewer flowers.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. pattersonii (O.E. Schultz) Rollins, as it maintains a compact, mounded shape naturally. However, you can trim back faded or excessive growth to improve the plant's appearance and promote more flowering.
To prune, use clean and sharp pruning shears, and cut back the stems to just above the leaf nodes. It's best to prune right after flowering to avoid reducing the number of flowers the following year.
Propagation of Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. pattersonii (O.E. Schultz) Rollins
Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. pattersonii (O.E. Schultz) Rollins is a rare, herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the mustard family. It is endemic to the Rocky Mountains, specifically in North America, where it grows in alpine and subalpine habitats. The plant has small, yellow flowers that bloom in mid-June to August.
There are different methods of propagating Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. pattersonii (O.E. Schultz) Rollins including:
1. Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. pattersonii (O.E. Schultz) Rollins. Seeds can be collected from mature plants and stored in a cool, dry place until ready for planting. The seeds can then be sown in seed trays filled with a mix of peat and sand. The trays should be placed in a cool, bright location and kept moist. Seeds can be sown in the early spring or late fall, and germination can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
2. Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Draba fladnizensis Wulfen var. pattersonii (O.E. Schultz) Rollins can be done through cuttings or division. Cuttings should be taken in early to mid-summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from the stem with a sharp knife, dipped in rooting hormone, and inserted into a mix of peat and sand. The cuttings should be kept moist and the container covered with plastic wrap to maintain humidity until new growth appears.
The plant can also be propagated through division, which involves separating the plant into smaller sections and planting them individually. This method is best done in the spring or fall, and the sections should be planted immediately in a well-draining soil mix.
Disease Management
Draba fladnizensis var. pattersonii is susceptible to a few diseases, including:
- Fungal leaf spots: The fungal leaf spots cause yellow, brown or black spots on the leaves. These can cause the leaves to yellow and die. To manage fungal leaf spots, apply a copper fungicide as per the instruction on the product label. Also, maintain good sanitation practices, including removing fallen and infected plant debris.
- Downy mildew: Downy mildew can lead to yellowing and curling of leaves and stunted plant growth. To control downy mildew, apply copper-based fungicides at regular intervals, following the recommended application rates.
Pest Management
Draba fladnizensis var. pattersonii may also be attacked by some pests including:
- Spider mites: Spider mites live in colonies on the leaves, and their infestation can lead to yellowing of the leaves. To control spider mites, wash the infested leaves with a stream of water. Also, you can use insecticidal soap that is safe to use around plants.
- Cabbage worms: Cabbage worms attack the leaves and flowers of plants. To control them, handpick them off the plant or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) as per the recommended rate.
To prevent further infestation, maintain clean and sanitized gardening practices by removing and discarding all the dead and the infected plant material. Practicing crop rotation can also help in reducing pest infestation by reducing their buildup in the soil.
