Overview:
Lesquerella alpina (Nutt.) S. Wats. var. laevis (Payson) C.L. Hitchc. is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. It is commonly known as alpine bladderpod, smooth bladderpod, and blunt-seeded bladderpod.
Origin:
It is originally native to the western region of North America, including the western United States, and southwestern Canada. Specifically, it is found in damp meadows, high altitude slopes, rocky cliffs, and canyons in the Big Horn Mountains and the Wind River Range of Wyoming, and the Uinta Mountains of Utah.
General Appearance:
The alpine bladderpod is an erect and bushy plant that grows up to 60 centimeters tall, with stem and leaves covered with fine white hairs. It also has basal leaves with long petioles that are generally divided into 3-5 lobes, and the cauline (stem) leaves are shorter and undivided. The flowers have four yellow petals that bloom from May to July, and mature in a more rounded shape. The fruit is a flat bladder-like pod that is 1-2 cm long and 0.5-1 cm wide.
Uses:
The alpine bladderpod has both ornamental and medicinal uses. Its flowers add beauty to rock gardens, while its historical medicinal uses include treatments for stomach problems, sore throats, and coughs. The plant is harvesting for oil production, with its oil containing erucic acid that is used in industrial lubricants and cosmetics. The plant is also an important food source for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Light Requirements
Lesquerella alpina var. laevis prefers full sun to partial shade conditions for optimal growth. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and may experience stunted growth or reduced vigor if grown in areas with insufficient light.
Temperature Range
The typical growth conditions of Lesquerella alpina var. laevis require cool to cold temperatures. The plant is native to high altitude regions and can tolerate below freezing temperatures. However, it grows optimally in daytime temperatures between 60-70 °F and nighttime temperatures between 30-40 °F. Temperatures above 80 °F during the day or below 20 °F at night may cause damage to the plant or reduce productivity.
Soil Requirements
Lesquerella alpina var. laevis prefers well-draining soils with a pH range between 6.0-7.5. The plant requires moist soil conditions, but overwatering may lead to root rot disease. The soil must be rich in organic matter and nitrogen for optimal growth and development. Additionally, the plant is adapted to grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils with good drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Lesquerella alpina (Nutt.) S. Wats. var. laevis (Payson) C.L. Hitchc. is a hardy perennial plant that thrives in cool, high-altitude regions. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure to grow optimally. The plant can be propagated from seeds that should be sown indoors during early spring. The seedlings can be transplanted outdoors once they grow to about 2-3 inches in height.
The plant grows to a height of about 8-12 inches and a width of 12-18 inches. It has a slow growth rate and takes two to three years to become fully established.
Watering Needs
Lesquerella alpina (Nutt.) S. Wats. var. laevis (Payson) C.L. Hitchc. requires moderate watering. The plant prefers soil that is moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can harm the plant's growth. It is essential to allow the soil to dry out slightly but not completely before watering again.
During the summer season, the plant may require more frequent watering, particularly during hot and dry spells. It is recommended to water the plant deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
Fertilization
Lesquerella alpina (Nutt.) S. Wats. var. laevis (Payson) C.L. Hitchc. does not require frequent fertilization but may benefit from an all-purpose fertilizer during the growing season once or twice a year. It is best to fertilize the plant during early spring before new growth emerges. Overfertilization can lead to excess leaf growth and reduced bloom production.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Lesquerella alpina (Nutt.) S. Wats. var. laevis (Payson) C.L. Hitchc. However, removing faded flowers and dead or damaged leaves can improve the plant's appearance and encourage new growth. The plant's mature leaves can be harvested for oil extraction, making pruning useful in commercial cultivation for oil production.
It is best to prune the plant during the early spring to encourage new growth. It is also beneficial to prune back the plant's stems by a third of their total length every two years to promote bushier growth.
Propagation of Lesquerella alpina var. laevis
Lesquerella alpina var. laevis can be propagated by both seed and cutting. Successful propagation depends on using the correct method for the desired outcome.
Propagation by Seed
Lesquerella alpina var. laevis produces small, brown seeds that can be collected and used for propagation. To ensure the highest germination rate, it is recommended to collect seeds when they are mature and dry.
The seeds should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture, with the tips of the seeds just below the soil surface. Germination can take up to 2-4 weeks, but may take longer under certain conditions. It is important to keep the soil moist but not saturated during this time.
Once the seedlings have emerged and developed several true leaves, they can be transplanted to their permanent location. It is recommended to transplant seedlings when they are young to avoid root disturbance.
Propagation by Cutting
Lesquerella alpina var. laevis can also be propagated by taking stem cuttings. The cuttings should be approximately 3-4 inches in length, with several nodes present. The bottom two-thirds of the leaves should be removed to reduce water loss through transpiration.
The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mixture, with the bottom third of the cutting inserted in the soil. Covering the pot with a plastic bag or a humidity dome can help prevent water loss and encourage rooting.
Cuttings should be kept in a well-lit area, but should be protected from direct sunlight until roots have formed. Once roots have formed, the cuttings can be transferred to individual pots or directly to their permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Lesquerella alpina (Nutt.) S. Wats. var. laevis (Payson) C.L. Hitchc.
Lesquerella alpina (Nutt.) S. Wats. var. laevis (Payson) C.L. Hitchc. is susceptible to several diseases and pests that may cause harm to the plant. Proper disease and pest management practices are important to maintain the health and productivity of the plant. Below are some common diseases and pests that may affect Lesquerella alpina and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Pythium root rot: Pythium root rot is a fungal disease that affects Lesquerella alpina roots and causes wilting and yellowing of leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to avoid overwatering and ensure good soil drainage. Fungicides can also be used to treat infected plants.
Verticillium wilt: Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that affects the vascular system of Lesquerella alpina, leading to wilting, stunting, and yellowing of leaves. Infected plants should be removed immediately to prevent the spread of the disease. Crop rotation and planting resistant varieties can also help prevent Verticillium wilt.
Black spot: Black spot is a fungal disease that causes black spots to appear on Lesquerella alpina leaves. This disease can be managed by removing infected leaves and ensuring good air circulation around the plant. Fungicides can also be used to treat the disease.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on Lesquerella alpina sap, causing yellowing and deformation of leaves. To manage aphids, insecticidal soaps or oils can be used. Beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can also be introduced to control aphid populations.
Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillars that feed on the stem and foliage of Lesquerella alpina, causing wilting and stunting of the plant. To manage cutworms, physical barriers, such as collars around the base of the plant, can be used to prevent them from feeding on the stem. Insecticides can also be used for severe infestations.
Mites: Mites are tiny insects that feed on Lesquerella alpina leaves and cause stippling and discoloration. To manage mites, insecticidal soaps or oils can be used. Beneficial insects, such as predatory mites, can also be introduced to control mite populations.
By implementing proper disease and pest management practices, Lesquerella alpina (Nutt.) S. Wats. var. laevis (Payson) C.L. Hitchc. can thrive and produce healthy yields.
