Draba sharsmithii Rollins & Price
Draba sharsmithii is a rare, perennial flowering plant species that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to the Sierra Nevada of California, specifically to the southern slope of the Carson Range. The plant was first discovered by botanists J.T. Howell and Harold St.John in 1944 and officially described in 1971 by Reed C. Rollins and Robert A. Price in the American Journal of Botany.
Common Names
Draba sharsmithii is commonly known as Sharsmith's rockcress, after the renowned naturalist and botanist Jean L. Sharsmith who was instrumental in documenting the flora of the Sierra Nevada Range. It is also sometimes referred to as Carson Range spring draba due to its location of origin.
General Appearance
The plant is characterized by its ascending or erect stems that grow up to 20 cm in height. The leaves are linear, entire, and alternate, measuring 5-15 mm long and 0.5-1.5 mm wide. The basal leaves are spatulate and form a rosette. The flowers are small, white, and are grouped into terminal clusters. The petals measure 2.5-3.5 mm long, and the sepals are oblong-lanceolate. The plant blooms in late spring and early summer.
Uses
Draba sharsmithii is an attractive plant that is grown as a rock garden plant or as a ground cover. It is also of great ecological importance because it helps stabilize rocky soil and provides food and habitat for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and moths. The plant has no known medicinal or culinary uses.
Overall, Draba sharsmithii is a unique and fascinating plant with a valuable ecological role in its native Sierra Nevada region.Light Requirements:
Draba sharsmithii typically requires full sun for optimal growth and development. This species prefers bright sunlight, especially in the morning hours.
Temperature Requirements:
Draba sharsmithii is native to subalpine and alpine habitats, and therefore can withstand cold temperatures and frost. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements:
Draba sharsmithii thrives in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. This plant prefers rocky and gravelly soils, typically found in alpine and subalpine habitats. It also requires good moisture retention, but cannot tolerate standing water or soggy soil.
Cultivation methods
Draba sharsmithii is best grown in a well-draining soil mixture that is high in organic matter. It prefers full to partial sun exposure and can tolerate high altitudes. The plant should be grown in an area that is protected from strong winds, as it can be easily damaged by them. In the wild, it grows in rocky and gravelly habitats, so the soil should be similar with good drainage.
Watering Needs
Draba sharsmithii requires moderate watering during its active growth period, which is in the spring and summer. It is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering, as the plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil. In the fall and winter, the plant should be given less water to prevent root rot and promote dormancy.
Fertilization
Draba sharsmithii prefers a light feeding regimen, with a balanced granular fertilizer applied in the spring. Fertilization should be done sparingly, as the plant can be easily burned by excessive fertilizer. It is best to follow the instructions provided by the fertilizer product to avoid overfeeding the plant.
Pruning
Draba sharsmithii does not require pruning, but it is recommended to remove dead or damaged foliage as it occurs. This will help the plant to maintain its shape and promote good airflow through the plant. Pruning the spent flowers is not necessary, but it can help to promote repeat blooming in some cases.
Propagation of Draba sharsmithii Rollins & Price
Draba sharsmithii Rollins & Price is a small, herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is a native plant of California and can be found growing in rocky crevices, talus slopes, and open, gravelly areas at elevations between 2,200 to 3,400 meters. This plant produces clusters of pale yellow flowers that bloom from June to August. If you want to propagate Draba sharsmithii Rollins & Price, there are a few methods to consider.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common way to propagate Draba sharsmithii Rollins & Price is through seed propagation. Seeds are typically collected from the mature seed pods in late summer or early fall. Before planting, the seeds should be cleaned and dried. The best time to plant the seeds is in the fall, so they can experience the natural cold stratification period during winter, which will help with germination. When planting, make sure to use well-draining soil and provide adequate moisture. With proper care, the seeds will germinate in the spring, and you will have new plantlets to transplant after one year.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation of Draba sharsmithii Rollins & Price is also possible but less common. To start, cut a piece of stem from a mature, healthy plant about 2 to 3 inches long and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder and plant it in well-draining soil. Make sure to keep the soil moist and provide a humid environment by covering the cutting with a plastic bag. After a few weeks, the cutting should start to grow roots, and you can carefully remove the plastic bag and transplant the new plant to a larger pot or outside in the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Draba sharsmithii
Draba sharsmithii Rollins & Price is a high-elevation plant native to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Like most plants, it can be susceptible to a range of diseases and pests that can cause significant damage. There are several common diseases and pests that gardeners and plant enthusiasts should be aware of when cultivating Draba sharsmithii.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Draba sharsmithii is powdery mildew. This fungal disease causes a white, powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant and can reduce the plant's ability to photosynthesize effectively. To prevent powdery mildew, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plant, to water the plant at the base, and to remove any infected parts promptly. Applying a fungicide can also be an effective control measure.
Another disease that can affect Draba sharsmithii is leaf spot, which is caused by a variety of fungal pathogens. Symptoms of leaf spot include brown spots with yellow halos on the leaves, which can eventually turn black and fall off. To prevent leaf spot, it is important to maintain good sanitation practices, such as removing any infected plant material and avoiding overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect Draba sharsmithii is the aphid. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the plant and can cause distorted growth and stunted development. To control aphids, it is important to encourage natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, by planting companion plants and avoiding the use of pesticides that harm beneficial insects. If necessary, aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Another pest that can affect Draba sharsmithii is the leaf beetle. Leaf beetles are small, metallic-colored insects that feed on the foliage of the plant and can defoliate it if left unchecked. To control leaf beetles, it is important to handpick the insects and remove them from the plant. Applying a insecticide that contains neem oil can also provide effective control.
Overall, Draba sharsmithii can be a rewarding plant to grow as long as gardeners and plant enthusiasts remain vigilant against pests and diseases. With good cultural practices and proactive pest and disease management, it is possible to minimize the impact of these threats and keep the plant healthy and vibrant.
