Overview
Sisymbrium incisum Engelm. var. filipes Gray is a biennial herb belonging to the mustard family, Brassicaceae. It is native to Southwestern United States, particularly in California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas.
Common Names
The plant goes by several common names, including Cutleaf Mustard, Prickleweed, Jaggedleaf Swinecress, and Wild Mustard.
Appearance
The plant typically grows up to 2.5 feet tall and has an erect stem coated in fine hair. The leaves are deeply divided and lobed with jagged edges, giving them a fern-like appearance. The flowers are small, with four petals arranged in a cross shape. They are yellow in color and grow in clusters on long stalks, giving the plant a lanky appearance. The fruit is a long, narrow seedpod, which splits open when mature to release tiny, dark-brown seeds.
Uses
The plant has been traditionally used by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes. The seeds were used as a mild laxative, and the leaves were used to treat skin rashes and cuts. Additionally, the leaves and shoots were also used as a food source, either raw or cooked, and added to salads, stews, and soups. Cutleaf Mustard is also used as a natural cover crop because it grows quickly and provides good soil coverage, preventing soil erosion and weed growth.
Light Requirements
The Sisymbrium incisum Engelm. var. filipes Gray plant typically requires a full sun exposure for optimal growth. It grows best when exposed to direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. If it grows in insufficient lighting conditions, it can become spindly and weak, leading to stunted growth and poor development. However, it can tolerate some dappled shade, especially during hot summer months, to prevent sunscald.
Temperature Requirements
The Sisymbrium incisum Engelm. var. filipes Gray plant grows well within a wide range of temperatures, depending on the geographical location. It's a hardy plant that can handle various temperatures, including drought conditions. However, it tends to grow best in moderate temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures outside of this range drastically reduce its growth rate, particularly in hot and dry environments, leading to stunted growth.
Soil Requirements
The Sisymbrium incisum Engelm. var. filipes Gray plant generally thrives in well-drained soils with good fertility. It prefers soil with high organic matter content, moderately rich in nutrients, and with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate a range of soils, including sandy, loam, or clay soil, but it does not grow well in waterlogged soils. Adequate drainage is crucial because soggy soil can suffocate the roots, leading to root rot.
Cultivation
Sisymbrium incisum Engelm. var. filipes Gray is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal attention. It thrives in well-draining soil and partial shade to full sun. The plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide, so ensure you give it enough space to spread.
You can propagate this plant by seeds or cuttings. If you choose to plant seeds, sow them in early spring or fall. Plant the seeds 1/8 inch deep in the soil and keep them moist until they germinate, which takes about 7-14 days.
Transplant seedlings in the garden when they have grown their second set of leaves.
Watering Needs
Sisymbrium incisum Engelm. var. filipes Gray thrives in soils with low to regular moisture levels. Water the plant only when the top inch of soil is dry and avoid overwatering, which can stunt growth or promote root rot. Ensure that your soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
You can fertilize Sisymbrium incisum Engelm. var. filipes Gray in early spring or late fall, depending on your preference. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 14-14-14, which can supply all the essential nutrients required for plant growth. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid overfertilizing the plant.
Pruning
You do not need to prune Sisymbrium incisum Engelm. var. filipes Gray regularly. However, you can remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms and extend the flowering period. Cut back the plant to the ground in late fall or early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems. This promotes healthy growth in the next growing season.
Propagation of Sisymbrium incisum Engelm. var. filipes Gray
Sisymbrium incisum Engelm. var. filipes Gray is commonly known as the prairie hedge mustard. It is a short-lived perennial plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. The plant is native to North America and can be found in prairies, meadows, and savannas, where it grows in moist and well-drained soils.
Propagation of Sisymbrium incisum Engelm. var. filipes Gray can be done in three ways:
1. Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation is through seeds. The plant produces abundant seeds, which can be collected in late summer or early fall. The seeds require stratification to break their dormancy, which can be achieved by planting them in the fall or by refrigerating them for six to eight weeks before planting in the spring.
The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil, and the planting site should receive full sunlight. The seeds should be planted at a depth of ΒΌ inch and spaced 6-12 inches apart. Water the seeds regularly to keep the soil moist, but not water-logged.
2. Division
Sisymbrium incisum Engelm. var. filipes Gray can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing the root clump into smaller sections and replanting them in well-drained soil. Division is best done in early spring before new growth begins. The new plants should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not water-logged.
3. Stem Cuttings
Propagation can also be done through stem cuttings. Take stem cuttings in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cut a 6-inch stem section and remove the lower leaves. Plant the stem cutting in a well-drained soil mix, and keep the soil moist. Roots should form in 2-3 weeks, and the new plant should be watered regularly.
Disease and Pest Management for Sisymbrium incisum Engelm. var. filipes Gray
Sisymbrium incisum Engelm. var. filipes Gray, commonly known as the Cutleaf Hedgeparsley, is a member of the mustard family. As with all plants, the hedgeparsley is not immune to disease and pest infestations that can lead to stunted growth, reduced yields, and even death. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggested ways to manage them.
Diseases
Several diseases could affect Sisymbrium incisum and hinder its growth. Examples include:
Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that can cause death to entire plants. The roots and lower stem develop a brownish discoloration, and yellowing and wilting of the leaves follow. Planting disease-resistant cultivars, using clean seed, and practicing crop rotation can help prevent the development and spread of Fusarium wilt.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, circular spots on the leaves and can reduce the plant's yield. The affected leaves may eventually fall off. Applying a fungicide or copper spray to control the spread of the fungus and removing any infected plant material can help control leaf spot early.
Black Rot
Black Rot is a bacterial disease that occurs mainly in the early stages of the plant's development. Angular lesions develop on the leaves, which later turn brown or black. The plant's vascular system is affected, and the entire plant may ultimately wilt and die. Sanitation, crop rotation, and spacing the crop appropriately can help curb this bacterial infection.
Pests
Sisymbrium incisum Engelm. var. filipes Gray is also prone to attack by several pests. They include:
Cutworms
Cutworms hide in the soil during the day, emerging at night to feed on the plant's leaves or stem. The plants could be treated with Bacillus thuringiensis or neem oil, which contain toxins that cutworms are susceptible to and are safer options than traditional pesticides.
Aphids
Aphids can suck the sap from the plant's leaves and spread disease. In high numbers, they can cause wilting, stunting, and death. Horticultural oils, soaps, and other bug-repellent plants such as marigold can help manage aphid populations.
Cabbage Worms
Cabbage worms are common in Sisymbrium incisum. They feed on the plant's foliage and cause significant damage. Using nets to cover the plants or spraying with insecticides, particularly those containing Bacillus thuringiensis, can control larvae populations.
Early detection of diseases and pests on Sisymbrium incisum Engelm. var. filipes Gray is critical to control and prevent their spread. Proper measures should also be taken to protect the crop from potential attacks. These measures include clean cultural practices, crop rotation, applying non-toxic organic-based sprays, and seeking professional advice when necessary.
