Description of Erysimum angustatum Rydb.
Erysimum angustatum Rydb., commonly known as the western wallflower, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. This perennial herb is native to western North America and has been found growing in the states of Nevada, California, Utah, and Oregon.
Appearance of Erysimum angustatum Rydb.
The western wallflower plant has a distinctive appearance with low-growing, succulent leaves, which are up to 8 inches long. The stem is usually unbranched and can grow up to 3 feet tall. The plant produces beautiful bright yellow flowers, which bloom in late spring and continue until early summer. The flowers have four petals and are fragrant with an intense sweet scent.
Uses of Erysimum angustatum Rydb.
The western wallflower has been used for various medicinal purposes, including pain relief and digestive issues. Native American tribes such as the Navajo, Paiute, and Shoshone used the roots of the plant as a remedy for earaches. The plant is also a great source of nectar, and its bright yellow flowers attract various species of bees and other pollinators. Garden enthusiasts love to plant the western wallflower due to its showy flowers and drought tolerance.
Common Names of Erysimum angustatum Rydb.
The western wallflower has several common names, including Narrow-leaved Wallflower, Western Wallflower, and Pringle's Wallflower.
Light Requirements
Erysimum angustatum Rydb. prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but is most productive in full sun.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can withstand severe cold temperatures as it is adapted to the harsh climate of high mountain regions. However, it requires warmer temperatures for optimal growth during the growing season. The ideal temperature range for Erysimum angustatum Rydb. is between 10°C and 25°C (50°F and 77°F).
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained soil. It prefers alkaline soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. The soil also needs to be rich in organic matter. Erysimum angustatum Rydb. can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils as long as they are well-drained and fertile.
Cultivation
Erysimum angustatum Rydb., commonly known as Yellowstone wallflower, is a native of North America and is an easy plant to cultivate. It is drought-tolerant and prefers dry, rocky, or sandy soils. Yellowstone wallflower is a biennial or perennial plant and can be propagated from seeds.
The best time to sow the seeds of Erysimum angustatum is in autumn or early spring. Before planting, loosen the soil and mix with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure, as this will improve soil drainage and fertility. Sow the seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep and keep the soil moist. The plant will germinate in one or two weeks.
Watering Needs
Once established, Erysimum angustatum has low to moderate water requirements. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot. When watering, it's best to water deeply and infrequently. This will help the plant to establish a deep root system that will make it more drought-resistant.
Fertilization
Erysimum angustatum doesn't require heavy fertilizer to grow well. If the soil is poor, adding a slow-release fertilizer in the spring can improve the plant's growth and flowering performance. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying any fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning Erysimum angustatum isn't required, but can help to promote bushier growth and an extended flowering period. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can encourage the plant to produce more blooms. If the plant becomes leggy, it can be cut back by one-third to one-half of its height after flowering ends. This will promote new growth and encourage the plant to become bushier.
Propagation
Erysimum angustatum Rydb. can be propagated by two methods: seed propagation or vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
The best time to collect the seeds of Erysimum angustatum Rydb. is during the fall season. The seeds should be collected when the seed pods have completely dried on the plant. The collected seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place. Seeds can be sown in the spring season, in well-prepared soil with good drainage. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Germination should occur within 5-10 days, and the seedlings should be thinned out at a spacing of 4-6 inches apart.
Vegetative Propagation
Erysimum angustatum Rydb. can be propagated through stem cuttings or layering. Stem cuttings should be taken during the active growing season, which is generally in the spring season. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and should have at least 2-3 nodes. The bottom leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be planted in a well-drained soil mix. They should be kept moist and in a shaded area until they root.
Layering is another method of vegetative propagation used for Erysimum angustatum Rydb. It involves bending a portion of the stem to the soil, where it is covered with soil. Roots will develop at the point of contact with the soil, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant after a few months.
Disease Management for Erysimum angustatum Rydb.
Erysimum angustatum Rydb. is a hardy plant species that can grow well under different environmental conditions. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests. The following are some of the common diseases that can affect the plant and how to manage them:
Clubroot Disease
Clubroot disease is a fungal disease that affects the roots of Erysimum angustatum Rydb., leading to stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. The best way to manage clubroot disease is to prevent it from infecting the plant by ensuring that the soil is well-drained and not too acidic. You should also avoid planting other crops in the same area where the infected plant was growing.
Fungal Leaf Spot
Fungal leaf spot is a common disease that affects the leaves of Erysimum angustatum Rydb. The disease is characterized by the appearance of small spots on the leaves, which may enlarge and turn brown. To manage this disease, you should prune off the affected leaves and spray the remaining leaves with a fungicide. Avoid watering the leaves, especially in the evening, as this can promote the growth of the fungus.
Verticillium Wilt
Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that affects Erysimum angustatum Rydb. The symptoms of this disease include yellowing, wilting, and death of the leaves. The best way to manage this disease is to remove the infected plant and choose resistant varieties when planting a new plant.
Pest Management for Erysimum angustatum Rydb.
Like any other plant, Erysimum angustatum Rydb. is susceptible to pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. The following are some of the common pests that can affect the plant and how to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves of Erysimum angustatum Rydb. An early sign of aphid infestation is the appearance of curled or distorted leaves. To manage this pest, you should spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybirds and lacewings to control the population of aphids.
Cabbage Worms
Cabbage worms are green caterpillars that feed on the leaves of Erysimum angustatum Rydb. The best way to manage this pest is to pick off the caterpillars by hand or spray the plant with a natural pesticide such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves of Erysimum angustatum Rydb. The first sign of spider mite infestation is the appearance of yellow spots on the leaves. To manage this pest, you should spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap. You can also introduce natural predators such as predatory mites and ladybirds to control the population of spider mites.
