Overview
Erysimum capitatum (Dougl. ex Hook.) Greene var. angustatum (Greene) G. Rossb., also known as the Narrow-leaved Western Wallflower, is a flowering plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. It is native to western North America, ranging from Alaska and British Columbia to California and western Arizona.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including Narrow-leaved Western Wallflower, Western Wallflower, and Sanddune wallflower.
Uses
The Narrow-leaved Western Wallflower has both medicinal and cultural uses. The plant is used in traditional Native American medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as colds, coughs, headaches, and skin problems. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
The plant is also used in the horticultural industry, where it is grown for its attractive flowers and foliage. It is commonly used as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, borders, and dry landscapes.
Appearance
The Narrow-leaved Western Wallflower is a perennial plant that grows up to 20 inches tall. The plant has a clump-forming growth habit and produces multiple upright stems. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, measuring up to 4 inches long and 0.5 inches wide.
The plant produces clusters of bright yellow flowers, with four petals each, at the end of the stems. The flowers bloom from late spring to early summer and are highly fragrant. The fruit of the plant is a narrow, cylindrical, and pointed silique.
The Narrow-leaved Western Wallflower is a hardy plant that is adapted to dry environments. It thrives in well-drained soils and requires full sun to grow. The plant is drought tolerant and requires minimal care once established.
Light Requirements
Erysimum capitatum var. angustatum requires full sun to thrive. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow healthy.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in a temperature range of 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9.
Soil Requirements
Erysimum capitatum var. angustatum grows well in well-draining soil with moderate moisture content. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH level (between 6.0 and 7.0). It can tolerate poor soil conditions as long as it is not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Erysimum capitatum (Dougl. ex Hook.) Greene var. angustatum (Greene) G. Rossb. prefers well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH level. It thrives in areas with full sun to partial shade and can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5-8. The plant can be propagated easily through seeds or stem cuttings.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is essential for the healthy growth of Erysimum capitatum (Dougl. ex Hook.) Greene var. angustatum (Greene) G. Rossb. The plant prefers evenly moist soil but does not tolerate waterlogged soil. Watering should be done deeply once per week during hot and dry weather, and less frequently during cooler temperatures. Always water the soil and avoid getting water on the leaves and flowers to reduce the risk of disease.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and flowering, Erysimum capitatum (Dougl. ex Hook.) Greene var. angustatum (Greene) G. Rossb. requires moderate fertilization. Use a balanced fertilization that contains higher amounts of phosphorus and potassium to encourage blooming. Fertilize the plant with a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season and repeat every six to eight weeks until late summer.
Pruning
To maintain the compact and uniform shape of Erysimum capitatum (Dougl. ex Hook.) Greene var. angustatum (Greene) G. Rossb., pruning is necessary. Deadheading spent flowers is essential to prolong the blooming period and promote new growth. Pruning the plant in early spring, before new growth appears, is recommended. Cut back the plant by one-third of its height, leaving the healthy and vigorous branches intact. Regular pruning keeps the plant from becoming leggy and promotes bushier growth.
Propagation of Erysimum Capitatum Var. Angustatum
Erysimum capitatum var. angustatum, also known as the western wallflower, is a herbaceous perennial plant that features small yellow flowers. The plant is usually found in areas with poor soils such as dry open woods, sagebrush, and rocky slopes. Propagation is the process of increasing the population of this plant, and it can be done using different methods.
Seed Propagation
One of the simplest methods to propagate Erysimum capitatum var. angustatum is through seed propagation. Collect seeds when the seed pods have turned brown and are starting to split open. Seeds from this plant should be harvested in the fall when they are mature. Once harvested, the seeds can be sown immediately or stored in a cool, dry place until spring. When sowing, it is advisable to plant the seeds thinly to avoid overcrowding. The seedlings should be transplanted to their permanent location when they are about 6 inches tall.
Cuttings
Another propagation method is by taking cuttings. Take cuttings in the late spring or early summer from the softwood growth of this plant. The cuttings should be approximately 4 to 6 inches long and should have a few leaves attached. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder and plant in moist vermiculite, perlite, or sand. Place the container in a warm location with filtered light. Once the cuttings have established roots, transplant them to their permanent location.
Division
Division is another method of propagating this plant, and it is usually done during the spring or fall. To divide the plant, dig up the clump and separate its root ball into two or more sections. Each section should have roots and stems. Replant the divided clumps in their permanent location and water them well.
Whichever method is used, Erysimum capitatum var. angustatum requires well-drained soil and moderate watering for healthy growth. The plant is native to North America and is an attractive addition to any garden or landscape. By following the appropriate propagation method, this plant can easily be increased in quantity and successfully established in a new area.
Disease and Pest Management for Erysimum capitatum var. angustatum
Erysimum capitatum var. angustatum, commonly known as narrow-leaved wallflower, is an ornamental plant native to North America. Like other plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and health. Proper management and prevention strategies can help to control these issues.
Common Diseases
Clubroot: Clubroot is a soil-borne fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing stunting, yellowing, and wilting of the leaves. To manage clubroot, prevent its spread by cleaning your tools and equipment after use and by controlling the moisture level of the soil. If clubroot is detected, remove the affected plants and dispose of them properly.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that affects many plants, including Erysimum spp. It is characterized by a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems. Prevent powdery mildew by providing adequate space, sunlight, and ventilation for the plants. If powdery mildew is detected, spray with a fungicide that is labeled for use on the plant.
Blackleg: Blackleg is a bacterial disease that affects the stems of the plant, causing them to blacken and decay. Prevent blackleg by planting in well-drained soil and avoiding overhead irrigation. Remove and dispose of infected plant debris and avoid planting in the same location in the future.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing distorted growth and yellowing of leaves. Control aphids by spraying the plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Cabbage Worms: Cabbage worms are green caterpillars that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing skeletonization and defoliation. Control cabbage worms by handpicking them off the plant, or by spraying with Bacillus thuringiensis, a biological pesticide.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the underside of the leaves, causing yellowing, stippling, and webbing. Control spider mites by spraying the plants with a horticultural oil or soap.
Prevention is key to managing diseases and pests in Erysimum capitatum var. angustatum. Implementing good cultural practices, such as proper irrigation and fertilization, can help to maintain the health and vigor of the plants. Regular scouting and monitoring can help to detect and control issues before they become severe.
