Origin:
Noccaea montana (L.) F.K. Mey. ssp. arctica (Porsild) A.& D. Löve, commonly known as the Arctic whitlowgrass or Arctic rockcress, is a small perennial plant in the Brassicaceae family. It is native to the Arctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America, including Alaska, Canada, and Greenland.
Common Names:
Arctic whitlowgrass or Arctic rockcress are the two most commonly used common names for Noccaea montana ssp. arctica. Other names include mountain pennycress, mountain draba, arctic draba, and arctic rockcress.
Uses:
Noccaea montana ssp. arctica has traditional medicinal uses among the indigenous people of the Arctic regions, where it is used to treat various ailments including colds, stomach aches, and sore throat. It is also used as an ingredient in traditional cuisine, either raw or cooked. However, due to its small size, it is not harvested on a large scale for either medicinal or culinary purposes.
General Appearance:
Noccaea montana ssp. arctica is a small herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 10 cm in height. It has a small rosette of oval-shaped leaves that are hairy and greyish-green in color. The plant produces erect stems that are topped with small white or yellow flowers, each with four petals. The flowers give way to small seed pods that contain tiny black seeds. The plant primarily grows in rocky, barren areas, often on high altitude mountains, and is adapted to the extreme cold and harsh conditions of the Arctic environment.
Light Requirements
Noccaea montana (L.) F.K. Mey. ssp. arctica (Porsild) A.& D. Löve requires full sun to light shade for its optimal growth. The plant can tolerate low light conditions but it thrives in bright light. Exposure to direct sunlight is also necessary for the growth and development of this plant.
Temperature Requirements
Noccaea montana (L.) F.K. Mey. ssp. arctica (Porsild) A.& D. Löve is adapted to cool environments and can withstand freezing temperatures. This plant grows well in temperatures that range from -5°C to 20°C. However, during the growing season, the ideal temperature range for this plant is 5°C to 15°C.
Soil Requirements
Noccaea montana (L.) F.K. Mey. ssp. arctica (Porsild) A.& D. Löve can grow in different soil types such as loamy, clay, and gravelly soils. However, it prefers well-drained mineral soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0. The soil must also have good organic matter as this plant requires sufficient nutrients for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods for Noccaea Montana (L.) F.K. Mey. ssp. arctica (Porsild) A.& D. Löve
Noccaea Montana (L.) F.K. Mey. ssp. arctica (Porsild) A.& D. Löve, also known as Arctic Alpine Rockcress, is a hardy plant that prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. When planting this species, make sure to provide it with sufficient space to grow and spread. Ensure that it has access to enough light, as it cannot tolerate being left in the shade for extended periods.
This plant is known to grow well in the wild and can be grown easily in gardens. In the wild, it thrives in rocky areas, soil exposed to considerable amounts of sunlight, and other challenging growing conditions. It does not require much or any attention from humans when left to grow naturally.
Watering Needs
Noccaea Montana (L.) F.K. Mey. ssp. arctica (Porsild) A.& D. Löve is a relatively low-maintenance plant when it comes to watering. This species has adapted to the cold and dry conditions of arctic climates where water availability is limited. During hot, dry spells, it is essential to water this plant moderately and avoid keeping the soil too wet. It does not need much attention or watering once established and will grow well on its own.
Fertilization
Fertilization for Noccaea Montana (L.) F.K. Mey. ssp. arctica (Porsild) A.& D. Löve is typically not necessary. As previously mentioned, this plant does well in areas with limited nutrient availability, and it has adapted to growing in nutrient-poor soil. However, if you wish to fertilize your plant to encourage more vigorous growth, use organic fertilizers or slow-release fertilizers. Do not over-fertilize, as this can damage or kill your plant.
Pruning
Noccaea Montana (L.) F.K. Mey. ssp. arctica (Porsild) A.& D. Löve typically does not require pruning unless you wish to shape it. However, it is standard practice to cut the dead flowers and stems from the plant for aesthetic purposes. By doing so, you can promote new leaves, making your plant look fresh and healthy. When pruning, use sharp, sterilized tools to minimize the risk of infection.
Propagation of Noccaea montana ssp. arctica
Noccaea montana ssp. arctica, commonly known as Arctic mustard, is a small, perennial plant native to alpine and arctic regions of Europe and North America. It is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which includes other important crops such as cabbage, broccoli, and mustard.
Vegetative propagation
Noccaea montana ssp. arctica can be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. This method involves taking a stem cutting from a healthy parent plant, usually in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. The cutting should be about 5-10 cm long and have a few leaves attached.
The cutting should be planted in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, humid location. After a few weeks, new roots should start to form from the base of the cutting. Once the cutting has formed a strong root system, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Seed propagation
Noccaea montana ssp. arctica can also be propagated through seeds. Seeds are typically collected in late summer or early fall when the seed pods have dried and turned brown. The seeds should be stored in a cool, dry location until they are ready to be planted.
Seeds should be planted in a well-draining soil mix in the early spring. Sowing the seeds directly into the ground is also possible, but the soil should be prepared beforehand by removing any debris and weeds and tilling the soil to a fine texture. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 3 mm and kept moist until they germinate, which usually takes about 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed strong roots, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Caring for young Noccaea montana ssp. arctica plants involves keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged and providing them with plenty of light. Once the plants have established themselves, they can tolerate some drought but prefer well-draining, moist soil. Fertilizing the plants with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring can also help ensure healthy growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Noccaea Montana ssp. Arctica
Noccaea montana ssp. arctica is generally a healthy plant and has relatively few disease and pest problems. Proper cultural management practices such as avoiding crowding, providing adequate irrigation, and optimal nutrient management can help in minimizing the incidence of pest and disease infestations.
Common Diseases
Noccaea montana ssp. arctica is relatively resistant to most diseases. However, it may be susceptible to some fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is characterized by a white powdery growth on leaves and stems and can be severe in humid conditions.
To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to remove the infected leaves and destroy them, especially during the early stages of the infection. Additionally, watering the plants at ground level helps to prevent wetting the leaves, which can reduce the incidence of the disease. Fungicides can be used to manage more severe cases of the disease.
Common Pests
Noccaea montana ssp. arctica is relatively resistant to pests. However, the plant can be susceptible to aphids when grown under stress. Aphids suck the sap out of the plant and can cause distorted growth, wilting, and a general decline in plant health.
The use of insecticidal soaps or neem oil can help in controlling aphids. Additionally, introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings can help in managing the aphid population. It is also important to avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this can attract aphids.
In conclusion, proper cultural management practices play a crucial role in minimizing the incidence of pest and disease infestations in Noccaea montana ssp. arctica. Early detection and prompt management of any pest or disease infestations can help in minimizing plant damage and increasing plant productivity.
