Origin and Common Names
Nasturtium lyratum Nutt. is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the family Brassicaceae. It is native to North America and can be found growing in moist areas such as wet meadows, along streambanks, and in swamps. The plant is commonly referred to as watercress-leaved cress, wild creasy, and yellow watercress.
General Appearance
The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and has a spreading growth habit. The stem is erect, branching, and hairless. The leaves are alternate, compound, and pinnate with a lacy appearance. The leaflets are smooth, oval-shaped, and toothed. The flowers are small, yellow, and arranged in clusters at the top of the stem. The plant blooms from May to July and produces fruits that are thin, elongated, and contain several small seeds.
Uses
The plant has several uses in traditional medicine and culinary practices. The leaves and stems are edible and can be used in salads, soups, and sandwiches. The plant has a slightly bitter, peppery taste similar to watercress. Nasturtium lyratum Nutt. is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as sore throats, coughs, and digestive issues. The plant contains high levels of vitamin C and other nutrients that make it a valuable addition to any diet.
Light Requirements
Nasturtium lyratum Nutt. is typically a sun-loving plant that thrives in full sunlight exposure. It is also known to tolerate partial shade, but it should be noted that insufficient light will result in poor growth and weakened stems.
Temperature Requirements
Nasturtium lyratum Nutt. is commonly found in areas with a Mediterranean climate, and it has been observed to grow best in warm to hot temperatures. Optimal temperatures range from 65-85°F (18-30°C), with temperatures below 50°F (10°C) being detrimental to growth and survival.
Soil Requirements
Nasturtium lyratum Nutt. prefers well-drained and moderately fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, sand, and loam, but it should be noted that excessively wet or waterlogged soil can lead to root rot. Additionally, the soil pH should be between 6.0 to 7.5.
Cultivation
Nasturtium lyratum Nutt., commonly known as running-nasturtium, is a plant that thrives best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It is ideal for growth in full sun or partial shade. Nasturtium lyratum Nutt. seeds may be sown either directly in soil or raised in containers before transplantation. It is important to ensure that the soil is moist, but not waterlogged, during germination.
Watering
Being a plant that prefers well-drained soil, Nasturtium lyratum Nutt. should neither be overwatered nor underwatered. Adequate watering should be done only when the soil appears to be dry to the touch. In hot weather, Nasturtium lyratum Nutt. may require more regular watering to avoid drying out.
Fertilization
Nasturtium lyratum Nutt. will benefit from regular feeding. Nitrogen-based fertilizers can be used to promote vegetative growth, whereas phosphorous fertilizers can be used to encourage the development of vibrant flowers. However, it is advisable to avoid applying excessive nitrogen-rich fertilizers so as not to encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning
Pruning is usually not necessary for Nasturtium lyratum Nutt., as it tends to grow and spread naturally with its characteristic trailing habit. However, deadheading old flowers and cutting off any diseased or damaged parts of the plant will promote the development of new blooms and keep the plant looking healthy. In addition, pruning can be done for shaping purposes or to restrict the spread of the plant if required.
Propagation of Nasturtium lyratum Nutt.
Nasturtium lyratum Nutt. is commonly known as the streambank watercress, and it belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is a herbaceous plant that is native to North America and can grow up to 30 cm high. The plant produces small white flowers and has oval-shaped leaves. Propagation of Nasturtium lyratum Nutt. can be done through several methods.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagating Nasturtium lyratum Nutt. by seeds is the easiest and fastest method. The seeds of the plant can be collected from the plant and sown directly into the soil. The seeds of Nasturtium lyratum Nutt. require light to germinate, so they should not be buried too deep. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and press them gently to ensure that they are in contact with the soil. Water the plant regularly, and the seeds will sprout within two weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Nasturtium lyratum Nutt. can also be propagated by cuttings. Take cuttings of about 5cm in length and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in moist soil. Ensure that the soil is well-drained and keep them in a warm, humid area. Within a few weeks, roots will form, and you can transplant them to larger pots or to the garden.
Propagation by Division
Dividing Nasturtium lyratum Nutt. is also a viable method of propagation. Wait until the plant is mature enough, then dig out the plant's root system gently. Divide the roots into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has enough roots and leaves. Plant these sections in well-drained soil and keep them moist until they establish themselves.
By using one of the propagation methods mentioned above, you can propagate Nasturtium lyratum Nutt. successfully. Ensure that the plants are well-cared for and receive enough water and sunlight. This will help promote healthy growth and will ensure that the plants thrive in their new environment.
Disease and Pest Management for Nasturtium Lyratum Nutt.
Nasturtium lyratum Nutt., commonly known as running creeper, is a hardy plant that is native to the United States. It is a member of the mustard family and is well-known for its beautiful golden-yellow flowers and its ability to attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees. However, like all plants, Nasturtium lyratum Nutt. is not immune to diseases and pests. To keep it healthy and thriving, it is essential to manage diseases and pests properly.
Common Diseases
Nasturtium Lyratum Nutt. is prone to some common diseases that can severely damage the plant:
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that manifests in the form of brown spots on the leaves of the plant. If left unmanaged, it can spread to other parts of the plant.
- Downy Mildew: Downy mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. It causes yellow spots to develop on the upper side of the leaves and a white, downy growth on the underside of the leaves.
- Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. It is caused by waterlogged soil and can cause the roots to become brown and mushy.
Disease Management
Here are some effective ways to manage diseases in Nasturtium Lyratum Nutt.:
- Ensure Proper Plant Spacing: Proper spacing between plants promotes good air circulation, which helps to prevent fungal diseases.
- Keep the Leaves Dry: Water the plant directly at its base instead of overhead to keep the leaves dry. Wet leaves can promote the growth of fungus.
- Remove Affected Plant Parts: To prevent the spread of diseases, remove any affected plant parts and dispose of them in the trash and not the compost pile.
Common Pests
Nasturtium Lyratum Nutt. is subject to attack by the following common pests:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves and stems, leaving them yellow and distorted.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that spin webs on the plant and suck its sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.
- Cabbage Worm: Cabbage worms are green caterpillars that chew on the leaves of the plant, leaving them full of holes.
Pest Management
Here are some effective ways to manage pests in Nasturtium Lyratum Nutt.:
- Remove Pests by Hand: If the infestation is minor, remove the pests by hand and dispose of them.
- Use Natural Insecticides: Use natural insecticides like neem oil, pyrethrin, or insecticidal soap to control a more significant infestation of pests.
- Use Companion Planting: Plant Nasturtium Lyratum Nutt. with companion plants such as marigolds, chives, and garlic, which help to repel pests.
By taking these precautions, you can keep diseases and pests under control, and your Nasturtium Lyratum Nutt. plant will thrive.
