Origin
Erysimum capitatum var. amoenum, commonly known as western wallflower or sanddune wallflower, is an herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to western North America, ranging from Alaska to California and eastward to Colorado and Wyoming.
Common Names
The Erysimum capitatum var. amoenum is commonly known as the Western Wallflower or Sanddune Wallflower. In some Native American cultures, it is also called "the plant that makes women beautiful."
Uses
This plant has been used for various medicinal and cultural purposes. The leaves and flowers of the western wallflower contain glucosinolates, which have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Some Native American tribes use the plant as a tea to treat colds, coughs, and other respiratory ailments. The flowers of the plant are also used in traditional rituals and ceremonies as a symbol of beauty, purity, and fertility.
General Appearance
The western wallflower is a small perennial herb that grows up to 20-60 cm tall. It has multiple, erect stems that stand out of dense mats of basal vegetation. The leaves are oblong or lance-shaped, gray-green in color, and covered in fine hairs. The flowers are showy and beautiful, organized in spikes up to 10 cm long with four petals that are golden yellow or orange. The fruits are slender pods 1 to 3 cm long and contain multiple seeds.
Growth Conditions for Erysimum capitatum (Dougl. ex Hook.) Greene var. amoenum (Greene) R.J. Davis
Erysimum capitatum (Dougl. ex Hook.) Greene var. amoenum (Greene) R.J. Davis, also known as western wallflower, is a perennial plant species that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This species is native to North America and is commonly found in open areas such as meadows, grasslands and rocky slopes. To grow this species successfully, certain growth conditions must be met.
Light Requirements
Erysimum capitatum var. amoenum requires full sun to grow optimally. This means that the plant should be exposed to direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day. If the plant is grown in the shade, it will become leggy and will not produce as many flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The western wallflower thrives in areas with a Mediterranean climate where the summers are dry and warm, and the winters are cool and wet. This species can tolerate temperatures ranging from 5-32°C (41-90°F), but it prefers temperatures around 15-24°C (59-75°F) during the day and 7-15°C (45-59°F) at night.
Soil Requirements
The western wallflower prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. The ideal soil type for this species is sandy loam or loam. It is important to avoid heavy, clay soils because they can lead to root rot and plant death. Additionally, the plant requires moderate water levels and cannot tolerate prolonged waterlogging or drought conditions.
Cultivation of Erysimum capitatum var. amoenum
Erysimum capitatum var. amoenum can be propagated from seed or cuttings and prefers well-drained soil with full to partial sunlight. The best time to plant is in the early spring or fall, although it can also be planted in the summer with extra care to keep it cool and hydrated.
Watering Needs
Watering should be done thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Young plants may require more frequent watering until they establish their root system, and during hot weather, regular watering may be necessary to prevent wilting.
Fertilization
Fertilizers can be applied sparingly in the early spring to promote growth, but any excess fertilizer may contribute to disease or insect problems. Organic fertilizers are preferred over chemical fertilizers.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape of the plant and promote bushier growth. Dead or diseased stems should be pruned as soon as they are noticed. Erysimum capitatum var. amoenum benefits from a hard prune after blooming to promote a more vigorous blooming the following year.
Propagation of Erysimum capitatum var. amoenum
Erysimum capitatum var. amoenum is commonly known as western wallflower and is native to western North America. This hardy, perennial plant can be propagated by several methods including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is a common method of propagating Erysimum capitatum var. amoenum. Seeds can be collected from mature plants in the late summer or fall when the seed pods have turned brown and are dry. The collected seeds can then be sown directly in the prepared field or in containers filled with good quality potting soil. The potting soil must be kept moist and the container placed in a location with bright, indirect light. Seeds will germinate in about two weeks, and once the seedlings have their second set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into the garden.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another method of propagating Erysimum capitatum var. amoenum. Cuttings should be taken in early summer when the plant is in full growth. Select a healthy stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch piece, remove the lower leaves leaving only two or three leaves at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and place it in a container filled with good quality potting soil. The container should be kept moist and the cutting should take root in about five weeks. Once the cutting has developed roots, it can be transplanted into the garden.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is the simplest and easiest method of propagating Erysimum capitatum var. amoenum. Dig up the plant and separate the root ball into several parts. Each part must have a portion of the root system and a section of the crown. Replant the divisions in the garden or in individual containers filled with good quality potting soil. It is important to keep the soil moist during the initial weeks to help the divisions establish roots.
Disease Management
Erysimum capitatum var. amoenum is susceptible to a range of diseases including:
- Clubroot: Clubroot is a fungal disease that causes the roots to become swollen and distorted. It can be managed by planting in well-drained soil and avoiding overhead watering.
- White Rust: White rust is a fungal disease that causes the leaves to become yellow and wilt. It can be managed by removing infected leaves and avoiding overhead watering.
- Downy Mildew: Downy mildew is a fungal disease that causes yellow spots on the leaves and a white mold on the underside. It can be managed by improving air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering.
To prevent disease, it is important to keep the plant healthy and stress-free. This can be achieved by providing adequate water, sunlight, and nutrients, as well as removing dead plant material and practicing good hygiene in the garden.
Pest Management
Erysimum capitatum var. amoenum can be affected by a range of pests including:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or using an insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the leaves, causing them to become yellow and speckled. They can be managed by increasing humidity around the plant and using an insecticidal soap.
- Slugs and Snails: Slugs and snails feed on the leaves and can cause significant damage. They can be managed by removing hiding places such as weeds and debris, and using a barrier of crushed eggshells or copper tape around the plant.
It is important to monitor the plant regularly for signs of pests and to take action as soon as they are detected. Integrated pest management techniques, such as crop rotation and companion planting, can also be used to reduce pest populations.
