Overview
Stanleya bipinnata Greene, commonly known as desert princesplume, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the mustard family, Brassicaceae. It is native to the western part of North America, particularly in arid regions of the United States and Mexico.
Description
The plant has a stout and erect stem that can grow up to 120 centimeters (47 inches) tall with multiple branches. The leaves of the plant are narrow and alternately arranged on the stem, with the lower leaves being larger than the upper ones. The leaves have a gray-green color and are covered with a waxy layer that prevents water loss in the arid climates. The flowers are arranged in racemes, or clusters, at the top of the stem. The flowers have showy yellow petals that are lobe-shaped and the stamens are longer than the petals.
Common Names
Stanleya bipinnata is commonly known as desert princesplume, prince's plume, and desert prince's plume.
Uses
In native cultures, the roots of Stanleya bipinnata were used to make a tea to treat stomach ailments, while some tribes chewed the roots to quench thirst. The plant is also used for its ornamental value in gardens and landscaping due to its attractive flowers and unique foliage. In addition, Stanleya bipinnata is important for the ecology of its native habitat as it serves as a host plant for some species of butterflies and moths.
Growth Conditions for Stanleya Bipinnata Greene
Light: Stanleya bipinnata Greene requires full sun exposure to grow properly. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive.
Temperature: This plant is native to arid and semi-arid environments. Therefore, it is adapted to hot temperatures and can tolerate heat and drought.
Soil: This plant thrives in well-draining soil that is alkaline-rich and has high amounts of calcium. The soil should have a pH between 7.2 to 8.5. It is common to find this plant growing in rocky, sandy, or clay soils with good drainage.
Water: Stanleya bipinnata Greene is adapted to arid environments, and as such, it can tolerate drought conditions. Therefore, it doesn't need frequent watering. However, it would be best if you watered the plant occasionally during hot, dry seasons to maintain proper growth. It would be best if you allowed the soil to dry out entirely before watering again.
Fertilizer: This plant doesn't need frequent fertilization. However, it would help if you fertilized the plant occasionally during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing it during the winter season.
Other Growth Conditions: This plant thrives in areas with low humidity, and therefore, it's less susceptible to fungal infections. It can tolerate winds and can grow up to 5 feet tall. Pruning is necessary to maintain the plant's shape, and it should be done during the winter season. Stanleya bipinnata Greene is an excellent option for gardens designed for xeriscaping and rock gardens, and it is also attractive to bees and butterflies.
Cultivation Methods
Stanleya bipinnata Greene is a hardy plant that thrives in sunny areas and well-drained soil. If you are planning to grow this plant in your garden, it is best to start with seeds. Sow the seeds directly into the ground, about 1/4 inches deep, during the early spring. Cover the seeds lightly with soil, and ensure that they receive enough sunlight to germinate.
When the seedlings have grown to about 3 inches tall, thin them to a distance of at least 6 inches apart. Stanleya bipinnata Greene plants require adequate space for optimal growth.
Watering Needs
During the first few weeks after planting, it is important to keep the soil evenly moist to encourage proper establishment of the plants. However, once the plants are mature, they can tolerate some periods of drought. Overwatering may result in root rot, so ensure that the soil is well-drained, and avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization
Stanleya bipinnata Greene is a low-maintenance plant that requires little fertilization. However, if the soil is nutrient-poor, you can add a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to boost growth and flowering. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause harm to the plant.
Pruning
Stanleya bipinnata Greene does not require much pruning. However, you can remove the spent flowers and dead stems in the late summer or early fall to maintain the plant's shape and appearance. Prune by cutting the stems just above a leaf node or a lateral bud to encourage branching.
Propagation of Stanleya bipinnata Greene
Stanleya bipinnata Greene is commonly known as the desert prince's plume. This species is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The plant is a winter annual and carries showy yellow flowers, which bloom from March to May.
Propagation Methods
The propagation of Stanleya bipinnata Greene can be done through seed or vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most effective way to propagate Stanleya bipinnata Greene is through seed sowing. The seeds of this species can be collected from the parent plant during the summer months or bought from a reputable dealer.
Sowing the seeds directly into the ground during the fall season will ensure that the seeds will go through a cold stratification period. However, if you plan to propagate the plant indoors, it is recommended to place the seeds in the refrigerator for four to six weeks in a sealed plastic bag. This will mimic the cold winter that the seeds need to germinate.
Once the seeds have gone through the cold stratification process, they can be sown in containers or seed trays. The container should be filled with a well-draining soil mix, and the seeds should be sown at a depth of one to two inches.
Keep the soil moist and put the containers in a warm location. After two to three weeks, the seeds will germinate. The seedlings can be transplanted into the garden once they grow to a height of three inches.
Vegetative Propagation
Stanleya bipinnata Greene can also be propagated by stem cuttings or division. However, vegetative propagation may not be practical for this species as the plant is a winter annual and does not produce stems that can be easily propagated.
If you still prefer vegetative propagation, stem cuttings can be taken during the summer months. Take cuttings of about four inches in length with at least two leaves and cut the bottom two leaves. Dip the bottom of the cutting into a rooting hormone powder before planting it in well-draining soil.
The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment, and it may take up to six weeks for the roots to develop. Once the roots have formed, the cutting can be transplanted into the garden.
For division, the plant must be at least two years old. Divide the plant when it is dormant during the winter months. Dig up the entire plant and gently separate the roots into multiple clumps. Replant each clump in a new location in the garden.
Overall, propagating Stanleya bipinnata Greene is relatively easy, and the plant is perfect for water-wise landscapes and desert gardens.
Disease and Pest Management for Stanleya bipinnata Greene
Stanleya bipinnata Greene, also known as desert princesplume or prince's plume, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the mustard family. While it is a hardy plant, it is not immune to diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, as well as ways to manage them:
Diseases
Clubroot: Clubroot is a soil-borne disease that can be devastating to Stanleya bipinnata Greene. Infected plants will have stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing leaves. Clubroot can be managed by improving soil drainage, removing infected plants, and rotating crops every two years.
Crown rot: Crown rot is a fungal disease that affects the root and base of the plant, causing them to rot and eventually die. Crown rot can be prevented by planting the plant in well-drained soil and avoiding overwatering. To manage crown rot, remove and discard infected plants, and avoid planting susceptible plants in the same spot for a few years.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. They can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies. They can cause noticeable damage to Stanleya bipinnata Greene by eating the leaves, stem, and flowers. To manage caterpillars, handpick them off the plant, or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide.
Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the plant by puncturing the cells and sucking out the contents. Infested plants will have distorted leaves and flowers. Thrips can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular inspection and prevention are key to managing diseases and pests in Stanleya bipinnata Greene. By maintaining healthy soil and plants, you can reduce the risk of infestation and disease. If you notice any signs of disease or pest infestation, take action immediately to prevent the issue from spreading.
