Overview of Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. ssp. diversifolia (Greene) Maguire & A. Holmgren
Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. ssp. diversifolia (Greene) Maguire & A. Holmgren, also known as Yellowstone Bladderpod or Western Bladderpod, is a species of flowering plant in the mustard family (Brassicaceae). It is native to the northern Rocky Mountains region of North America, particularly in the states of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming.
General Appearance of Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. ssp. diversifolia (Greene) Maguire & A. Holmgren
The Western Bladderpod is a small and attractive shrub, typically growing from 30 to 50 centimeters in height. It has woody stems with numerous branching branches, gray-green or blue-green leaves, and yellow flowers that bloom in late spring. The fruit of the Western Bladderpod is a round, bladder-like capsule that contains up to 30 seeds.
Common Names of Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. ssp. diversifolia (Greene) Maguire & A. Holmgren
The Yellowstone Bladderpod or Western Bladderpod are the most commonly used common names for Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. ssp. diversifolia (Greene) Maguire & A. Holmgren. It is also known as the Western Lesquerella.
Uses of Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. ssp. diversifolia (Greene) Maguire & A. Holmgren
Due to its oil content, the Western Bladderpod is of some interest as a potential industrial crop. Its seeds can be crushed to extract oil that is similar to castor oil in terms of composition and properties. This oil can be used in various applications, including biodiesel production, lubricants, and plastics. Additionally, the Western Bladderpod has some traditional medicinal uses among native American communities, such as treating coughs and sore throats.
Light Requirements
Lesquerella occidentalis ssp. diversifolia is a sun-loving plant and requires at least 6 hours of full sunlight every day. It cannot tolerate shade and will not grow well in areas with low light intensity. It is recommended to plant this species in open areas or near sunny windows where it can receive the necessary amount of light.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to arid regions of North America and can tolerate high temperatures up to 40°C. However, it cannot survive temperatures below 0°C. The optimal temperature range for this plant is between 18°C to 30°C. Therefore, it is recommended to plant this species in areas where the temperature is stable and does not fluctuate significantly.
Soil Requirements
Lesquerella occidentalis ssp. diversifolia is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0-8.0. This plant is drought-tolerant, so it doesn't require frequent watering. However, it needs occasional deep watering during prolonged periods of dry weather. This species can also grow in poor and rocky soils, but it will benefit from the addition of organic matter such as compost or manure.
Cultivation Methods
Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. ssp. diversifolia (Greene) Maguire & A. Holmgren, or the Western Bladderpod, is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in hot and dry climates. It prefers well-draining soils and needs full sun exposure. The plant can be grown from seeds, and germination is successful when the seeds are exposed to consistent temperatures between 50-64 degrees Fahrenheit for six to eight weeks.
The plant also benefits from a pH between 6.0 and 8.0, and you should ensure that the soil you plant it in has a good pH balance. The recommended spacing for these plants is 12-18 inches apart, and they will reach their full height of 1-3 feet within two years.
Watering Needs
Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. ssp. diversifolia is a drought-tolerant plant, meaning that it can survive periods of limited water availability. However, it still needs watering like all plants to encourage healthy growth and flowering. You should water the plant deeply once every seven to ten days during the first year of planting. Subsequently, you should only water the plant whenever the top one to two inches of soil feel dry.
You should avoid overwatering your Western Bladderpod, as excess moisture can lead to root rot and damaged foliage. It is essential to note that the plant growth in spring months is particularly rapid, and increased watering may be required to keep up with the growth rate.
Fertilization
Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. ssp. diversifolia thrives in nutrient-poor soil, which means that fertilization is not entirely necessary. However, you can fertilize the soil with a well-balanced fertilizer, preferably once a year. You can add aged manure into the soil before planting to prepare it for the initial growth. Avoid over-fertilizing the soil, as this can cause excessive growth and reduce disease resistance in the plant.
Pruning
Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. ssp. diversifolia exhibits little need for pruning. However, you can still prune to maintain the desired shape and prevent overcrowding of the plant. Prune the plant lightly in the fall to maintain a compact size. Deadhead the spent blooms to improve plant appearance and encourage new growth. Ensure the pruning tools are clean and sharp to avoid injuring the plant and spreading potential diseases.
Propagation of Lesquerella occidentalis ssp. diversifolia
Lesquerella occidentalis ssp. diversifolia can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means. However, the most common method of propagation is through seeds.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Lesquerella occidentalis ssp. diversifolia are small and can be collected from the matured fruit capsules. The best time to collect seeds is in late summer or early fall when the capsules have turned yellow or brown and are beginning to split open. The seeds should be harvested carefully to avoid damage to them.
Before sowing the seeds, they should be cleaned by removing all the chaff from the seed coat. The cleaned seeds should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist at all times. Germination can occur within 10 to 20 days under suitable conditions, which include a temperature range of 60 to 70°F and in bright light. Seedlings can then be transplanted into individual containers when they are large enough to handle.
Asexual Propagation
Lesquerella occidentalis ssp. diversifolia can also be propagated through asexual means such as stem cuttings. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the growing season. The cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches long, and all the leaves except the top pair should be removed. The stem should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a rooting mix. The cutting should be kept moist, and high humidity should be maintained with the help of a plastic cover. Rooting should occur in 3 to 4 weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted into an individual container or a suitable location in the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. ssp. diversifolia
Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. ssp. diversifolia, also known as Western bladderpod, is a native perennial plant that is commonly found in the western United States. While it is generally a hardy plant, there are a few common diseases and pests that can affect it. Proper disease and pest management is essential to maintaining the overall health and survival of the plant.
Common Diseases
Some of the most common diseases that affect Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. ssp. diversifolia include:
- Crown Rot: This disease is caused by a fungus and can result in death of the plant. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant. To manage this disease, use preventative measures such as well-draining soil and proper watering techniques.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can appear as a white or gray coating on the leaves of the plant. It can be managed with fungicides and by maintaining good air circulation around the plant.
- Root Rot: Caused by fungi in poorly-draining soil, this disease can also lead to the death of the plant. To manage root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid over-watering the plant.
Common Pests
Some of the most common pests that can attack Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. ssp. diversifolia include:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant and stunt its growth. They can be managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can eat the leaves of the plant and cause damage. They can be managed with Bacillus thuringiensis or other insecticides.
- Spider Mites: These tiny mites can cause discoloration and webbing on the plant. They can be managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Overall, proper disease and pest management is essential to the survival of Lesquerella occidentalis S. Wats. ssp. diversifolia. By following preventative measures and using appropriate treatments, it is possible to maintain the health of the plant and prevent pest and disease issues from becoming major problems.
