Origin
Lesquerella arctica (Wormsk. ex Hornem.) S. Wats. var. scammaniae Rollins is a subspecies of Lesquerella arctica which belongs to the Brassicaceae family. The plant is native to the Arctic regions of North America, particularly in Alaska and Greenland.
Common Names
Lesquerella arctica var. scammaniae Rollins is commonly known as Scamman's Bladderpod or Scamman's Mustard.
Uses
Lesquerella arctica var. scammaniae Rollins has been traditionally used by indigenous people in Alaska and Greenland for medicinal purposes. The plant is used to treat respiratory ailments, gastrointestinal disorders, and skin infections. The oil extracted from the seeds of the plant is also used for making soap and cosmetics.
General Appearance
Lesquerella arctica var. scammaniae Rollins is a small herbaceous plant that grows up to 20 cm in height. The leaves are basal, oblong, and covered in dense white hairs, which help protect the plant from cold temperatures and wind. The flowers are small, yellow, and grow in clusters at the end of the stem. The plant produces small, round, and flat seeds that are encapsulated in a bladder-like fruit.
Light Requirements
Lesquerella arctica var. scammaniae prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to poor growth and small flowers.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to Arctic and alpine regions, so it is adapted to cold temperatures. It can withstand temperatures below freezing and prefers cool temperatures between 10-20°C (50-68°F).
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is crucial for the growth of this plant. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. The soil should have a pH between 6 and 7.5.
Lesquerella arctica var. scammaniae can also tolerate sandy or rocky soil, as long as it is well-draining. However, it does not grow well in heavy clay soils or soils that are constantly wet.
Cultivation
Lesquerella arctica var. scammaniae is native to the mountains of Alaska and requires cold and wet conditions to thrive. It can be challenging to grow this plant outside of its natural habitat, but it is possible with proper care.
The best time to plant Lesquerella arctica var. scammaniae is in the late spring or early summer when the soil temperature is above freezing. The soil should be well-draining and slightly alkaline, with a pH of around 7.0.
Start the seeds indoors in small pots before transplanting them to the garden. It is important to keep the soil moist at all times, and it can take up to a month for the seeds to germinate.
Watering Needs
Lesquerella arctica var. scammaniae requires consistent moisture, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Water the plant deeply once a week, or when the top inch of soil is dry.
In colder months, the plant may require less frequent watering, depending on the temperature and humidity levels.
Fertilization
Lesquerella arctica var. scammaniae does not require a lot of fertilizer, but adding compost or a slow-release organic fertilizer can improve soil quality and provide essential nutrients for the plant.
Apply a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 once a month during the growing season. Be sure to follow the dosing instructions and avoid applying too much fertilizer, which can harm the plant.
Pruning
Lesquerella arctica var. scammaniae does not require regular pruning, but remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems as needed throughout the growing season.
After the plant has finished flowering, you can cut back the stems to encourage new growth and improve the plant's overall appearance. Avoid cutting back the plant too severely, as this can damage it.
Propagation of Lesquerella arctica var. scammaniae Rollins
Lesquerella arctica var. scammaniae Rollins can be propagated by either seed propagation or vegetative propagation methods.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is the most common method of propagation for Lesquerella arctica var. scammaniae Rollins. The seeds are available commercially and can be sown directly into the soil. The best time for seed sowing is in the early spring after the last frost. The seeds can be sown about 3mm deep in a well-drained soil mix. Germination is usually fast, and the seedlings should be transplanted to their permanent location after they have developed their true leaves.
Propagation by Vegetative Cuttings
Vegetative propagation of Lesquerella arctica var. scammaniae Rollins can be done through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the spring or summer months. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants with no signs of disease or damage.
The cuttings should be about 2-3 inches long and should be taken from the upper part of the stem. They should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and then planted in a well-drained soil mix. The plants should be kept in a warm and humid environment, and they should be watered regularly until they develop roots. After the roots have developed, the plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Disease Management
Lesquerella arctica var. scammaniae Rollins is relatively resistant to diseases. However, like all other plants, it is still prone to some diseases that can affect its growth and development. Here are some of the common diseases that might affect this plant:
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by various fungi and usually occurs in plants that are grown in poorly-drained soil. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant, and make sure that the soil has excellent drainage. Applying fungicides can also help prevent this disease.
- Leaf Spot: Lesquerella arctica var. scammaniae Rollins can be affected by leaf spot, which is caused by different fungal pathogens. This disease is characterized by the formation of brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy the infected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides regularly.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can affect a wide range of plants, including Lesquerella arctica var. scammaniae Rollins. It is characterized by a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, improve air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
Lesquerella arctica var. scammaniae Rollins is susceptible to some pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Here are some of the common pests that might affect this plant:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on plant sap and can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and the formation of sticky honeydew. To manage aphids, prune and destroy infected leaves, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and encourage the presence of natural predators.
- Cabbage Worms: These green caterpillars can feed on the leaves of Lesquerella arctica var. scammaniae Rollins and cause extensive damage. To manage cabbage worms, use floating row covers to prevent their eggs from hatching on the plant. Also, use biological control methods such as releasing parasitic wasps that feed on the caterpillar larvae.
- Spider Mites: These tiny arachnids feed on the plant's undersides and cause mottled leaves, yellowing, and premature leaf drop. To manage spider mites, increase the humidity around the plant by misting, keep the plant well-watered, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
