Origin
Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins var. borealis, commonly known as "northern mustard" or "borealis false candytuft," is a flowering plant species native to northern and western North America. It can be found in alpine areas, meadows, and subalpine forests in Canada, Alaska, and the western United States.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "northern mustard" or "borealis false candytuft." Its scientific name, Smelowskia borealis, honors the Russian botanist Anatolii Petrovich Smelowskii.
Uses
Smelowskia borealis is not widely used in medicine or culinary fields, but its seeds were consumed by some native American tribes. The Ktunaxa tribe of British Columbia used the seeds to make flour, while other tribes used them as medicine for digestive issues. The leaves and stems of the plant can be grazed by livestock and wildlife.
General Appearance
Smelowskia borealis is a small, herbaceous perennial that grows up to 10 cm tall. The plant has yellow, four-petalled flowers that bloom from June to August. The leaves of the plant are alternately arranged, linear, and deeply lobed, with toothed margins. The stem of the plant is hairy and woody at the base. The seeds of the plant are small and brownish-yellow.
Light Requirements
Smelowskia borealis var. borealis usually grows in areas with full sunlight, where the plant can get at least six hours of sunlight each day. In areas with limited light, such as shaded places, the plant may grow more slowly and produce fewer flowers compared to those grown in full sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow and thrive in cold, harsh environments, such as in tundras, alpine areas, and rocky slopes. It can withstand freezing temperatures and even snow, but it may not survive in extreme heat, especially during the summer months when temperatures can rise up to 30°C. For optimal growth, it is recommended to grow in temperatures between 0°C-22°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils, including a mixture of rocks, sandy, and gravel soil. The soil should also contain enough nutrients to sustain the plant. In general, the plant cannot tolerate high levels of acidity but can grow in soils with a pH of 5.5-7.5. The plant may also grow in disturbed soils in areas such as roadsides, gravel pits, and urban areas.
Cultivation methods
Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins var. borealis is a hardy perennial that can grow in many different habitats and soil types. It prefers full sun to partial shade and needs well-drained soil. If planting in a garden, space the plants about 12 inches apart.
Watering needs
Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins var. borealis is drought-tolerant and only needs to be watered during prolonged dry spells. When watering, give the plants a deep watering once a week rather than shallow watering every day.
Fertilization
Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins var. borealis does not require much fertilizer, but a light feeding once a year in the spring can benefit the plant's growth. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Pruning
Smelowskia borealis (Greene) Drury & Rollins var. borealis does not require pruning, but removing dead or damaged leaves and flowers can encourage plant health and growth. It is also important to remove any dead plant material in the fall to prevent disease and pests from overwintering.
Propagation of Smelowskia borealis var. borealis
Smelowskia borealis var. borealis, commonly known as Northern False Candytuft, is a hardy, perennial plant that is native to North America. This plant species can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation and division.
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Smelowskia borealis var. borealis is through the use of seeds. Seeds of Smelowskia borealis var. borealis can be collected from mature plants during the late summer or fall. These seeds can then be directly sown into the soil in the spring or fall.
Before sowing the seeds, it is important to prepare the planting site. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. The soil should also be raked and leveled to create a smooth surface for planting.
Seeds should be sown thinly and covered with a thin layer of soil. Water the planting site regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination of the seeds may take several weeks, but once established, the plants will require very little care.
Division
Another method of propagating Smelowskia borealis var. borealis is through the division of mature plants. This method is typically used for established plants that have been growing in the same location for several years.
To divide the plant, carefully dig up the root ball and gently separate the plant into two or more sections. These sections can then be replanted in separate locations or in larger containers.
When replanting a divided plant, it is important to plant it at the same depth it was originally growing. Water the newly transplanted plants thoroughly and provide regular watering until they become established.
Propagation of Smelowskia borealis var. borealis through both seed propagation and division are simple and easy methods to increase the number of these hardy, perennial plants in your garden.
Disease Management
There are a few common diseases that can affect Smelowskia borealis. One of the most notable is fungal leaf spot, which appears as brownish-black spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to remove any infected leaves and dispose of them in the trash, rather than composting them. Fungicides can be applied preventively in the spring, before symptoms appear.
Another disease that can affect Smelowskia borealis is powdery mildew, which appears as a white or grayish powdery coating on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to keep the area around the plant free of debris and well-ventilated. Fungicides can also be used to manage powdery mildew, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully.
Finally, Smelowskia borealis can be susceptible to root rots, which can be caused by a variety of fungal pathogens. To manage this disease, it is important to plant in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. If symptoms are present, removing affected plants and soil may be necessary.
Pest Management
While Smelowskia borealis is not typically targeted by pests, there are a few insects that may cause problems. One of the most common is aphids, which can be identified by their small size and pear-shaped bodies. To manage aphids, natural predators like ladybugs can be introduced, or insecticidal soap can be used.
Another pest that can be problematic for Smelowskia borealis is spider mites. These pests are so small that they may not be visible to the naked eye, but they can be identified by the presence of webs on the plant. To manage spider mites, it is important to keep the area around the plant free of debris and well-ventilated. Insecticidal soap can be used to manage infestations.
Finally, caterpillars can sometimes be a problem for Smelowskia borealis. These pests can be identified by the presence of chewed leaves. To manage caterpillars, handpicking can be effective for small infestations. For larger infestations, insecticides may be necessary.
