Overview of Lesquerella Fendleri
Lesquerella Fendleri (Gray) S. Wats., commonly known as Fendler’s bladderpod, is a biennial or perennial flowering plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. This plant is native to the southwestern region of the United States, particularly Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico, and northern Mexico.
General Appearance
The Fendler's bladderpod grows up to 1 to 3 feet tall with a spread of 1 to 2 feet. It has basal leaves that are arranged in a rosette shape, and they are deeply lobed with bluish-green foliage. The lower leaves are petiolate, while the upper leaves are sessile. The plant's flowers are yellow and arranged in racemes, and they bloom in late spring up to early summer. The seeds are borne in oblong pods, which are the characteristic feature of the plant.
Common Uses
Lesquerella Fendleri is known for its high levels of hydroxy fatty acid (HFA), specifically lesquerolic acid, which is an important component in manufacturing industrial lubricants, epoxies, and other commercial products. Additionally, the plant's oil has potential use in biodiesel production. The roots and leaves have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and have been used to treat pain, inflammation, and fever among other ailments. The plant also provides a food source for pollinators and serves as an important habitat for wildlife such as birds and rodents.
Despite its potential commercial and medicinal uses, the Fendler's bladderpod is considered a threatened species due to habitat loss and fragmentation. The plant's population has been affected by agricultural expansion, oil and gas drilling, mining, and urbanization.
Light Requirements
Lesquerella fendleri prefers full sun to partial shade and typically grows in grasslands, open woodlands, or rocky slopes where it can receive maximum amount of sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Lesquerella fendleri is a hardy plant that can tolerate a broad range of temperatures. It can survive extreme heat or cold and can be found growing in arid or semi-arid regions. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 50 to 80 °F.
Soil Requirements
Lesquerella fendleri prefers well-drained, sandy soils with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. It can also tolerate clay soils as long as they are well-drained. The plant is moderately drought-tolerant and can also grow in soils with low fertility. However, it responds well to a fertile, loamy soil that has been amended with organic matter.
Cultivation Methods for Lesquerella Fendleri (Gray) S. Wats.
Lesquerella fendleri is a perennial plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, rocky, and clay soils. It is commonly grown in the western regions of the United States, particularly in the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas.
The plant can be propagated by both seed and vegetative cuttings. Seeds can be sown directly in the soil during the spring season when the soil temperature has warmed up. Vegetative cuttings are taken from the mother plant and rooted in a soilless mix with the help of rooting hormone.
Watering Needs of Lesquerella Fendleri (Gray) S. Wats.
Lesquerella fendleri is a drought-tolerant plant and can survive long periods of dry spells. However, it needs regular watering during the initial stages of growth to establish its root system. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the dormant period. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be sure to let the soil dry out before watering again.
Fertilization of Lesquerella Fendleri (Gray) S. Wats.
Lesquerella fendleri does not require a lot of fertilization. A well-balanced fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season. Avoid using nitrogen-rich fertilizers, as it can lead to the development of lush foliage at the expense of flowers. Organic fertilizers like compost, bone meal, or fish emulsion can also be used to provide a slow-release source of nutrients.
Pruning of Lesquerella Fendleri (Gray) S. Wats.
Pruning is not necessary for Lesquerella fendleri. However, it is advisable to deadhead the spent flowers to encourage more blooms. This will also prevent seed production, which can lead to self-seeding and overgrowth of the plant. When the plant reaches the end of its lifespan, it can be cut back to the ground to promote new growth.
Propagation of Lesquerella Fendleri
Lesquerella fendleri, also known as Fendler's bladderpod or yellowtop, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the southwestern region of the United States. The plant is highly valued for its oil-rich seeds, which contain hydroxy fatty acid (HFA) and can be used for biodiesel production. Here are some methods of propagating Lesquerella fendleri:
Seed Propagation
Propagation by seeds is the most common method for Lesquerella fendleri. The plant produces small black seeds that are ripe and ready for collection in late summer. The collected seeds should be dried well and stored in a cool, dry place. The seeds can be sowed directly into the soil, or they can be started indoors in pots. Lesquerella fendleri seeds require a period of cold stratification, which can be achieved by storing the seeds in the refrigerator for several weeks before sowing. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, and the plants need plenty of sunlight to grow.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation by cuttings is another method of growing Lesquerella fendleri. The best time to take cuttings is during the warm months when the plant is actively growing. Select a healthy stem and snip a section that is several inches long. Remove any leaves from the bottom of the cutting, leaving only two or three at the top. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, which can help promote the formation of roots. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a mixture of sand and peat moss. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, brightly lit location. The cutting should root within several weeks and can be transplanted outdoors when it has grown to a suitable size.
Division Propagation
Propagation by division is a method that involves dividing the root ball of an established Lesquerella fendleri plant into multiple smaller sections, each with its roots and stem. To carry out this method of propagation, dig up the mature Lesquerella fendleri plant and carefully separate the root ball into smaller sections, making sure each section has enough roots and foliage to sustain growth. Transplant each extracted section into well-draining soil and keep the soil sufficiently moist. Roots should start to form in a few weeks, and the plant will continue to grow until it reaches maturity.
Disease Management
Lesquerella fendleri is generally considered a hardy and disease-resistant plant. However, it is still susceptible to a few diseases, including:
- Clubroot: A fungal disease that causes the roots to become swollen and deformed. To manage clubroot, rotate crops, improve soil drainage, and avoid overwatering.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by several fungi and can cause the plant to wilt and die. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage. Remove any infected plants and do not plant in the same area for at least a year.
Pest Management
Like most plants, Lesquerella fendleri is susceptible to a few pests. Here are some common pests that may affect this plant:
- Aphids: These tiny insects suck the sap from the plant and can cause distortion and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, wash the plant with a strong stream of water, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Whiteflies: These small, moth-like insects also suck sap from the plant and can cause yellowing and distortion of leaves. To manage whiteflies, use sticky traps or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These pests are not actually insects, but arachnids that feed on the plant. They can cause yellowing and stippling of leaves. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with water or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Cabbage loopers: These caterpillars feed on the foliage of the plant and can cause defoliation. To manage cabbage loopers, handpick or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacteria that kills the caterpillars.
It is important to monitor plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases and take action promptly to prevent their spread. Additionally, maintaining healthy soil and providing proper care for the plant can help prevent infestations.
