Plant Origin and Common Names
Erysimum capitatum (Dougl. ex Hook.) Greene ssp. angustatum (Greene) Price, commonly known as Narrowleaf western wallflower, is a native plant species to western North America. It can be found in various regions, including California, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, among others.
Plant Uses
Erysimum capitatum has various uses, including medicinal and ornamental purposes. Historically, different native tribes used the plant for medicinal purposes such as treating cold and flu symptoms, headaches, and rheumatism. Some tribes also crushed the plant to make a poultice for swollen body parts. The plant is also beneficial as an ornamental plant, adding a splash of color to landscapes and gardens.
General Appearance
Erysimum capitatum is a perennial plant that grows up to 1-3 feet tall, with a branching stem. The plant has narrow leaves, and its clusters of flowers are a bright yellow-orange color. The flowers may occasionally grow to a reddish-purple hue. The flowers have a sweet and spicy fragrance and are primarily pollinated by bees, butterflies, and other nectar-loving insects. Erysimum capitatum generally blooms from late spring to early summer, depending on the location and climate.
Growth Conditions of Erysimum capitatum ssp. angustatum
Erysimum capitatum ssp. angustatum commonly known as the coast wallflower is a subspecies of Erysimum capitatum native to the West Coast of North America, from British Columbia to California. It is a hardy plant that thrives in diverse climatic conditions.
Light Requirements
Erysimum capitatum ssp. angustatum requires full sun exposure, and it's essential to ensure its growth and development. The plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight every day for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
The coast wallflower thrives in a cool maritime climate. It grows naturally in regions with a temperature range between 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. High-temperature spikes may damage the plant or cause the flower buds to wilt.
Soil Requirements
E. capitatum ssp. angustatum grows best in well-draining, moderately fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. The plant is susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and may require regular aeration.
Additionally, the plant tolerates sandy and clay soils, although the soil must be amended with organic matter to increase its nutrient and waterholding capacity. During planting, incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to provide the plant with added nutritional support.
Water Requirements
Erysimum capitatum ssp. angustatum requires moderate watering during its growth. Water the plant thoroughly once a week, ensuring the top inch of soil is moist. In hot and dry weather or during extended drought, it may require supplemental watering to maintain adequate moisture.
However, overwatering may cause root rot, and the plant may develop fungal and other diseases, which could damage it. Therefore, it's crucial to allow the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions to improve aeration and reduce the risk of root rot.
Summarily, Erysimum capitatum ssp. angustatum is an amenable plant species that can grow in diverse climatic and soil conditions. However, to achieve optimal growth and development, it's necessary to provide it with the right amount of light, water, nutrients, and optimal temperature.
Cultivation of Erysimum Capitatum (Dougl. ex Hook.) Greene ssp. Angustatum (Greene) Price
When cultivating Erysimum capitatum ssp. angustatum, it is important to choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight, as this plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. This plant can tolerate a variety of soil types, but it requires well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, which can damage the roots.
Plant the Erysimum capitatum ssp. angustatum seeds in early spring after the last frost, to ensure that the plant will have plenty of time to grow before the winter months. The seeds should be sown directly into the soil, at a depth of around 1/8 inch.
Watering Needs
Erysimum capitatum ssp. angustatum requires consistent watering, especially during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once per week, and ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Over-watering can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
During hot and dry weather, the plant may require more frequent watering. Check the soil regularly by pushing your finger one inch into the soil. If the soil is dry at that depth, it is time to water the plant.
Fertilization
Erysimum capitatum ssp. angustatum does not require frequent fertilization, but it can benefit from a light application of fertilizer once or twice during the growing season. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to the soil around the base of the plant, being careful not to get any fertilizer on the leaves.
Pruning
Erysimum capitatum ssp. angustatum should be pruned to remove spent flowers and promote new growth. Cut the plant back by about one-third in the late spring or early summer after the flowers have faded. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth and extend the overall flowering period.
If the plant becomes too tall or leggy, it can also be pruned to encourage a more compact growth habit. Cut back the stems by half in the early spring to promote new growth and encourage branching.
Propagation of Erysimum capitatum (Dougl. ex Hook.) Greene ssp. angustatum (Greene) Price
Erysimum capitatum (Dougl. ex Hook.) Greene ssp. angustatum (Greene) Price can be propagated through different methods, including seed germination and vegetative propagation.
Seed Germination
Seed germination can be an effective and easy method to propagate Erysimum capitatum (Dougl. ex Hook.) Greene ssp. angustatum (Greene) Price. The best time to collect seeds is usually in late summer or early autumn. The collected seeds should be sown immediately in a well-drained and fertile soil mix in a greenhouse or outdoors in a prepared bed.
The seeds need to be covered with a thin layer of soil, watered regularly, and kept moist until germination. Germination usually takes place in 2-3 weeks after sowing. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground, depending on the intended use.
Vegetative Propagation
Erysimum capitatum (Dougl. ex Hook.) Greene ssp. angustatum (Greene) Price can also be propagated through vegetative methods, such as stem cuttings or layering. Stem cuttings are best taken in late spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
To take a stem cutting, select a healthy stem with 2-3 leaf nodes and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-drained soil mix. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag or glass jar to trap moisture and promote root growth. The cutting should be kept in a warm and bright location but out of direct sunlight.
Layering is another vegetative propagation method that involves burying a stem of the plant in soil while it is still attached to the parent plant. Once roots have formed, the new plant can be cut away from the parent and transplanted.
Disease and Pest Management for Erysimum capitatum (Dougl. ex Hook.) Greene ssp. angustatum (Greene) Price
Erysimum capitatum (Dougl. ex Hook.) Greene ssp. angustatum (Greene) Price is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that is native to western North America. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests. This section will outline some of the most common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Erysimum capitatum is powdery mildew. This fungal disease is characterized by a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to keep the plant's foliage dry, as the disease thrives in damp conditions. This can be done by watering the plant early in the day, avoiding overhead watering, and providing good air circulation around the plant.
Another common disease that can affect Erysimum capitatum is clubroot. This soil-borne disease is caused by a pathogen that infects the plant's root system, leading to stunted growth, yellowing foliage, and wilted leaves. To manage clubroot, it is important to practice good sanitation practices, such as removing and disposing of infected plant debris, using sterilized soil and tools, and rotating crops to prevent the disease from building up in the soil.
Common Pests
Erysimum capitatum is also susceptible to a range of pests, including aphids, slugs, and snails. Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can quickly reproduce and cause significant damage to the plant's foliage. To manage aphids, it is recommended to use natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, or to spray the plant with a solution of soapy water.
Slugs and snails are another common pest that can affect Erysimum capitatum. These pests typically feed on the plant's leaves and can cause significant damage if left uncontrolled. To manage slugs and snails, it is important to create physical barriers around the plant, such as copper tape or diatomaceous earth, or to use natural predators, such as predatory nematodes or ground beetles.
In conclusion, Erysimum capitatum (Dougl. ex Hook.) Greene ssp. angustatum (Greene) Price is a hardy plant that can thrive in a range of conditions. However, it is important to be aware of the common diseases and pests that can affect the plant and to take steps to manage them. By following good sanitation practices, providing good cultural care, and using natural pest management techniques, it is possible to keep Erysimum capitatum healthy and productive.