Introduction
Draba howellii S. Wats. var. carnosula (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc., also known as Howell's draba, is a small flowering plant belonging to the mustard family (Brassicaceae). This plant is native to the western regions of North America and is a common sight in alpine and subalpine habitats.
Origin and Distribution
Howell's draba is a native plant to the western regions of North America, particularly in the states of Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, and Idaho. This plant can be found growing in alpine and subalpine habitats, often in rocky and gravelly soils in open meadows, along stream banks, and on talus slopes.
Common Names
Howell's draba is commonly known by its scientific name, but it also goes by other names such as Howell's whitlow-grass, Howell's draba mustard, and carnosula draba.
Uses
Howell's draba has not been extensively studied for its uses, but it is known to serve as a valuable food source for grazing animals such as bighorn sheep and mountain goats. Additionally, it adds beauty to alpine and subalpine meadows, offering a splash of white and yellow to the rocky, barren terrain.
General Appearance
Howell's draba is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial plant that reaches only two to six inches in height. It has a rosette of leaves at its base and produces erect stems bearing yellow-white flowers with four petals. The leaves are glossy and obovate in shape, measuring up to two centimeters in length. The stems and leaves are covered in fine hairs, giving the plant a fuzzy appearance. The fruits of Howell's draba are elongated silique pods that twist upon ripening, eventually splitting open to release numerous tiny seeds.
Light Requirements
Draba howellii S. Wats. var. carnosula (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. requires full sun to light shade as its light requirements. It grows best in bright light or filtered sunlight but can tolerate shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in cooler temperatures with an optimal range between 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but may die at high temperatures over 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Hence, the best way is to maintain the temperature in the optimal range.
Soil Requirements
Draba howellii S. Wats. var. carnosula (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. prefers well-draining soils that are sandy or rocky. It can also grow in soils that are loamy or clayey. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. It is essential to ensure that the soil is moist and well-drained to prevent water from standing in the soil as it can cause root rot. The plant can tolerate drought conditions but cannot survive in waterlogged soils.
Cultivation Methods
Draba howellii S. Wats. var. carnosula (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. is a low-growing perennial plant that thrives in rocky or gravelly soils in high elevations. It is native to the western United States and is a hardy and drought-tolerant plant. To cultivate this plant, it is essential to provide growing conditions similar to its natural habitat.
The first step in cultivating this plant is to choose the right soil. Draba howellii S. Wats. var. carnosula (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. prefers well-draining and rocky or gravelly soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be amended with gravel or sand to improve drainage and aerate the root zone.
Next, choose a sunny location with adequate air circulation. The plant needs six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive and should be protected from strong winds.
Sowing Draba howellii S. Wats. var. carnosula (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. seeds is a simple process. Scatter the seeds on top of the soil and gently press them into the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge. Thin the seedlings to a spacing of six to nine inches apart.
Watering Needs
Draba howellii S. Wats. var. carnosula (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. is a drought-tolerant plant that does not require frequent watering. When establishing new plants, water the soil deeply to encourage deep root growth. Once established, water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Draba howellii S. Wats. var. carnosula (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. does not require much fertilizer. However, adding a slow-release fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can help promote healthy growth and blooming. Fertilize the plant once in spring before the growing season starts.
Pruning
Pruning Draba howellii S. Wats. var. carnosula (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. is not necessary. However, you can deadhead the spent flowers to encourage new blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back the entire plant to the ground in late fall or early spring to promote new growth and maintain plant health.
Propagation Methods for Draba howellii S. Wats. var. carnosula (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc.
Draba howellii S. Wats. var. carnosula (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. is a rare plant native to alpine and subalpine habitats in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Propagation of this plant species can be difficult due to its specific habitat requirements and slow growth rate. However, there are several methods that can be used to propagate Draba howellii S. Wats. var. carnosula (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc.
Seed Propagation
One of the most common methods for propagating Draba howellii S. Wats. var. carnosula (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. is through seed propagation. Seeds can be collected from mature plants during the summer months when the seed pods have dried out and turned brown. To increase germination rates, the seeds should be stratified for several weeks in a moist, cool environment before planting in a well-draining soil mix. Germination can take several weeks to several months and should be kept moist and out of direct sunlight.
Cuttings Propagation
Draba howellii S. Wats. var. carnosula (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. can also be propagated through cuttings taken from new growth in the spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and planted in a well-draining soil mix with a hormone rooting powder to promote root growth. The cuttings should be kept moist and out of direct sunlight until roots have formed, which can take several weeks.
Division Propagation
Another method for propagating Draba howellii S. Wats. var. carnosula (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. is through division of mature plants. This method should only be done on plants that are several years old and have established root systems. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the roots by gently pulling apart the clumps and replant each section in a well-draining soil mix. It is recommended to perform division propagation in the fall to allow the new roots to establish before winter.
Disease and Pest Management for Draba howellii S. Wats. var. carnosula (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc.
Draba howellii S. Wats. var. carnosula (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. is an important plant species known for its beauty and adaptability to different environmental conditions. However, like any other plant species, it is prone to a variety of diseases and pest attacks.
Common Diseases of Draba howellii S. Wats. var. carnosula (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc.
The common diseases that affect this plant species include:
- Crown rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the root system of the plant. The disease is characterized by the decay of the plant's crown, which eventually leads to the death of the plant. To manage this disease, it is essential to ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering the plant.
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. Symptoms of this disease include the appearance of brownish-black spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is essential to avoid wetting the leaves during watering and remove the infected leaves.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. Symptoms of this disease include the appearance of white powder-like substances on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is essential to ensure proper air circulation and avoid overcrowding the plants.
Common Pests of Draba howellii S. Wats. var. carnosula (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc.
The common pests that attack this plant species include:
- Aphids: These are small, sap-sucking insects that attack the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage aphids, it is essential to regularly inspect the plant and remove any infected parts of the plant.
- Spider mites: These are tiny, sap-sucking insects that attack the leaves of the plant. Symptoms of this pest attack include the appearance of yellowish spots on the leaves. To manage spider mites, it is essential to ensure proper air circulation and avoid overcrowding the plants.
- Thrips: These are tiny, winged insects that attack the leaves of the plant. Symptoms of this pest attack include the appearance of silvery streaks on the leaves. To manage thrips, it is essential to remove any infected parts of the plant and maintain proper humidity levels.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management practices are essential to ensure the healthy growth and productivity of Draba howellii S. Wats. var. carnosula (O.E. Schulz) C.L. Hitchc. Regular inspection and maintenance of the plant and the use of appropriate management strategies can help minimize the impact of diseases and pest attacks on this plant species.
