Origin
Lesquerella engelmannii (Gray) S. Wats. ssp. ovalifolia (Rydb. ex Britt.) C. Clark, commonly known as Roundleaf bladderpod, is a perennial wildflower found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Common Names
A few of the common names for Lesquerella engelmannii ssp. ovalifolia include Roundleaf bladderpod, Bladderpod Rocky Mountain, and Largeflower bladderpod.
Uses
Lesquerella engelmannii ssp. ovalifolia has a variety of uses. The plant is known for its oil-rich seeds which can be used for the production of biodiesel. Native Americans used the plant's roots to treat various ailments such as stomach problems, while some indigenous people used the plant as a food and for its medicinal properties. Apart from its traditional uses, this species of Lesquerella is grown as an ornamental garden plant and for its environmental benefits, as it attracts pollinators and provides habitat for various wildlife.
General Appearance
The Roundleaf bladderpod is a small, herbaceous plant that belongs to the mustard family, Brassicaceae. It is a perennial plant that grows up to 35-90 cm in height, with rounded leaves that are shiny green and up to 10 cm in length. The plant produces bright yellow flowers in the spring and summer that give way to bladder-shaped fruits that are about 2-3 cm in length and contain the oil-rich seeds. The plant thrives in full sun, preferring well-drained soils and dry habitats such as grasslands, sandy or rocky soils, and desert washes.
Light Requirements
Lesquerella engelmannii ssp. ovalifolia grows best in full sunlight to partial shade. In its natural habitat, the plant is often found growing at the edge of woodlands or in open meadows where there is plenty of sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Lesquerella engelmannii ssp. ovalifolia is tolerant of a range of temperatures but requires cool temperatures to flower. The plant grows best in regions with a moderately cool climate and can withstand frost and snow. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F).
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining, loamy soils but can also grow in sandy or clay soils. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil pH, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. Lesquerella engelmannii ssp. ovalifolia requires moderate to low levels of soil nutrients and does not do well in soils that are too rich in nutrients or organic matter.
Cultivation of Lesquerella engelmannii (Gray) S. Wats. ssp. ovalifolia (Rydb. ex Britt.) C. Clark
Lesquerella engelmannii (Gray) S. Wats. ssp. ovalifolia (Rydb. ex Britt.) C. Clark commonly known as bladderpod can be cultivated in any well-drained, slightly alkaline sandy or clay soils that receive plenty of sunlight.
The seeds of Lesquerella engelmannii (Gray) S. Wats. ssp. ovalifolia (Rydb. ex Britt.) C. Clark should be sown in the early spring or fall, and the seedlings should be transplanted after the last frost date in the spring. During the first year of growth, the plants should be kept moist and well-fed to establish robust roots, and thereafter they require minimal care.
Watering Needs of Lesquerella engelmannii (Gray) S. Wats. ssp. ovalifolia (Rydb. ex Britt.) C. Clark
Bladderpod requires somewhat moderate watering. The plant can tolerate dry soils, but prolonged dry spells reduce its growth rate and productivity. During the summer, when the rainfall is scarce, the plant should be irrigated every two weeks to maintain its health. Watering should be done at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Lesquerella engelmannii (Gray) S. Wats. ssp. ovalifolia (Rydb. ex Britt.) C. Clark
Bladderpod is nitrogen-fixing, meaning it can obtain most of its nutrient requirements from the air. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers should, therefore, be used sparingly to avoid stimulating excessive foliar growth at the expense of seed production. A slow-release low-nitrogen granular fertilizer can be applied to the soil during the early spring when the soil is warming up to give the plant an initial nutrient boost.
Pruning of Lesquerella engelmannii (Gray) S. Wats. ssp. ovalifolia (Rydb. ex Britt.) C. Clark
Pruning of bladderpod is not necessary as it assumes a compact and bushy growth habit when it reaches maturity. However, the removal of the dead stems and foliage can help to encourage new growth and improve the overall aesthetics of the plant. Pruning should be done during the winter or early spring when the plant is dormant.
Propagation of Lesquerella engelmannii (Gray) S. Wats. ssp. ovalifolia (Rydb. ex Britt.) C. Clark
Lesquerella engelmannii (Gray) S. Wats. ssp. ovalifolia (Rydb. ex Britt.) C. Clark, commonly known as Bladderpod, is a perennial plant native to the United States. Propagation of the plant is a crucial factor that determines its growth and development. The following are some of the methods commonly used for propagating Lesquerella engelmannii (Gray) S. Wats. ssp. ovalifolia (Rydb. ex Britt.) C. Clark.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most commonly used method for propagating Lesquerella engelmannii (Gray) S. Wats. ssp. ovalifolia (Rydb. ex Britt.) C. Clark. The seeds should be collected when they are mature and dry. After collection, the seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place to ensure their viability. The seeds should be sown in a well-prepared seedbed with a sandy loam soil mixed with some organic matter. The seedbed should also be irrigated with small amounts of water regularly to ensure the germination of the seeds. During the germination process, the seedlings should be protected from direct sunlight, and the soil should be moist.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is a process of propagating Lesquerella engelmannii (Gray) S. Wats. ssp. ovalifolia (Rydb. ex Britt.) C. Clark from vegetative parts like cuttings, rhizomes, and runners. This method is commonly used when the propagation of seeds is not an option. For example, if the plant population is small, seeds might not be readily available. The vegetative parts are collected from the parent plant and transplanted into the field under suitable conditions. It is essential to maintain moisture in the soil until the plant establishes itself and starts growing independently.
Disease Management
Lesquerella engelmannii (Gray) S. Wats. ssp. ovalifolia (Rydb. ex Britt.) C. Clark can be affected by various diseases, including:
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by fungi in the soil that attack the roots, making the plant unable to absorb water and nutrients properly. To prevent this disease, ensure good drainage by increasing the amount of organic matter in the soil, watering the plant only when necessary, and avoiding overwatering.
- Fungal Leaf Spots: These spots appear on the leaves and are caused by different fungi. To prevent it, you should remove any infected leaves and debris from the area around the plant and avoid overhead watering. Promptly apply a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
- Botrytis Blight: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the plant's flowers, leading to their withering and falling off. To prevent it, you should ensure good air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and remove any debris or dead flowers around the plant. Additionally, apply a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Lesquerella engelmannii (Gray) S. Wats. ssp. ovalifolia (Rydb. ex Britt.) C. Clark may also be vulnerable to various pests, including:
- Spider Mites: These tiny insects can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking the sap out of its leaves. To prevent spider mites, ensure good humidity levels, avoid overwatering and ensure good air circulation. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to destroy the pests.
- Cabbage Loopers: These caterpillars can feed on the plant and cause significant damage. To prevent them, apply a Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide to destroy the pests when they are still in their early stages of development.
- Slugs and Snails: These insects can damage the leaves and flowers of the plant. Place copper tape or diatomaceous earth around the plant's base to repel them, as well as using slug and snail bait.
