Origin
Lesquerella kingii S. Wats. var. parviflora (Maguire & A. Holmgren) Welsh & Reveal, also known as King's bladderpod, is a rare and endemic plant species found only in the United States. This plant is primarily found in the Uinta Basin and Uinta Mountains in northeastern Utah and adjacent areas in Colorado, including the White River Plateau and the Book Cliffs.
Common Names
King's bladderpod, dwarf bladderpod, and small-flowered bladderpod are among the common names of Lesquerella kingii S. Wats. var. parviflora.
Uses
The plant is a member of the mustard family and it has been studied for its potential oilseed. The oil extracted from the seeds of this plant has potential use in biodiesel and lubricant production due to its high content of hydroxy fatty acids. Additionally, this plant is considered a valuable source of genetic diversity and it is being conserved to help preserve the biodiversity of the region where it grows.
General Appearance
King's bladderpod is a small, herbaceous plant that grows up to 20 cm tall. It has small, yellow flowers that bloom between May and August and are about a quarter-inch in size. The plant has small, bladder-like seed pods, which give it its common name. The leaves are hairy and are generally located towards the base of the plant. The plant grows in rocky soils and in areas of disturbed or overgrazed land.
Light Requirements
Lesquerella kingii S. Wats. var. parviflora requires full sun to grow optimally. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight exposure every day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations. However, it grows best in cool to warm temperatures, with an optimal range between 5 and 20 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
The soil should be well-drained, fertile, and slightly alkaline to grow Lesquerella kingii S. Wats. var. parviflora. A pH range of 7.0 to 8.5 is optimal. The plant prefers loamy or sandy soils, but it can also grow in rocky soils. It can tolerate drought, but regular watering can help promote growth and improve its overall health.
Cultivation Methods
Lesquerella kingii S. Wats. var. parviflora is a drought-tolerant plant native to the Southwestern United States. It prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0-8.0 and requires full sun exposure.
The plant can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and division. Seeds should be sown in the spring after the last frost, and cuttings and division should be done in the fall.
Watering Needs
As a drought-tolerant plant, Lesquerella kingii S. Wats. var. parviflora requires infrequent but deep watering. It is crucial to allow the soil to dry out fully between watering to prevent root rot.
Young plants require more frequent watering than established plants. During hot, dry weather, watering may need to be increased, but care should be taken not to over-water the plant. A general rule is to water every 7-10 days during the plant's first year, and reduce watering to once every 14-21 days once it's established.
Fertilization
Lesquerella kingii S. Wats. var. parviflora is a low maintenance plant that does not require frequent fertilization. Fertilization is only necessary if the soil is deficient in essential nutrients.
A general-purpose fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied at the beginning of the growing season and once again in mid-summer. Over-fertilization can negatively affect the plant's growth and development, so it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer.
Pruning
Lesquerella kingii S. Wats. var. parviflora does not require much pruning, but occasional deadheading can keep the plant looking neat and tidy.
Deadheading involves removing spent flowers to encourage the development of new blooms. It can be done by pinching off the spent flowers with your fingers or by using pruning shears.
Pruning should be done in the early spring to remove any damaged or diseased branches, promote air circulation, and maintain the plant's shape. The plant's natural shape should be maintained by pruning only the necessary growth.
Propagation of Lesquerella kingii S. Wats. var. parviflora (Maguire & A. Holmgren) Welsh & Reveal
Lesquerella kingii S. Wats. var. parviflora (Maguire & A. Holmgren) Welsh & Reveal can be propagated through seeds and cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
The seeds of Lesquerella kingii S. Wats. var. parviflora can be collected from mature fruits that have turned brown. The seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place until planting time. Before planting, the seeds should be scarified to break the hard outer seed coat and improve germination. Scarification can be achieved by rubbing the seeds with sandpaper or by soaking them in hot water for a few hours. After scarification, the seeds should be planted in well-drained soil in a location that receives full sunlight. The soil should be kept moist until the seedlings emerge, which typically takes several weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be watered regularly and fertilized with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
Propagation through cuttings
Lesquerella kingii S. Wats. var. parviflora can also be propagated through cuttings. Softwood cuttings taken from the current season's growth can be rooted in a mixture of perlite and peat moss. The cuttings should be taken in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be 3-4 inches long and should be taken from the tip of the stem. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and a rooting hormone should be applied to the cut end. The cutting should be inserted into the rooting mix and watered thoroughly. The cutting should be kept out of direct sunlight and should be misted regularly to maintain humidity. After several weeks, the cutting should begin to produce roots, and it can be transplanted into a larger container or planted directly into well-drained soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Lesquerella kingii S. Wats. var. parviflora
Lesquerella kingii S. Wats. var. parviflora is a herbaceous plant that is native to the western United States. Although it is not a commonly grown plant, there are some important disease and pest management practices that growers should be aware of.
Common Diseases
One common disease that affects Lesquerella kingii S. Wats. var. parviflora is powdery mildew. This fungal disease can cause leaves to become covered in a white, powdery substance and can stunt growth. To manage powdery mildew, growers should ensure that the plant has good air circulation and should remove infected leaves as soon as they are noticed.
Another disease that can affect Lesquerella kingii S. Wats. var. parviflora is Verticillium wilt. This soil-borne disease can cause wilting and death of the plant. To manage Verticillium wilt, growers can plant resistant varieties, rotate crops, and ensure that the soil is well-drained.
Common Pests
One pest that can affect Lesquerella kingii S. Wats. var. parviflora is the aphid. These small insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause stunting or distortion of growth. To manage aphids, growers can use insecticidal soap or neem oil, or encourage the presence of beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings that feed on aphids.
Another pest that can affect Lesquerella kingii S. Wats. var. parviflora is the cutworm. These larvae of certain moths can sever the stems of young plants at the soil line. To manage cutworms, growers can use physical barriers such as collars around the base of plants, or apply Bacillus thuringiensis, a naturally occurring bacteria that is toxic to cutworms.
Conclusion
By being aware of common diseases and pests that can affect Lesquerella kingii S. Wats. var. parviflora and implementing effective management practices, growers can ensure that this unique and valuable plant thrives in their gardens or fields.
