Overview:
Stanleya pinnata (Pursh) Britt. var. bipinnata (Greene) Rollins, commonly known as desert princesplume or desert plume, is a species of flowering plant in the mustard family Brassicaceae. It is native to western North America, including the Great Basin, Mojave, and Sonoran Deserts.
Appearance:
The plant has a striking appearance with a basal rosette of deeply lobed leaves and tall, erect flowering stalks that can grow up to six feet. The yellow flowers are four-petaled and about an inch in size with a unique scent similar to honey. The plant blooms in early spring and can continue through early summer.
Uses:
The indigenous people of the Great Basin and Mojave Desert used the plant for medicinal purposes, including as a poultice for treating wounds. The seeds are edible and were traditionally harvested and eaten by the Native Americans. In addition, desert princesplume is used in native and ornamental horticulture, and is a popular plant for xeriscaping due to its drought-resistant qualities. It is also used as a native habitat plant to support pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Cultivation:
Desert princesplume grows best in full sun with dry, well-draining soil. It is highly tolerant of drought and heat, making it an ideal plant for arid climates. The plant spreads by seed and can self-seed in favorable growing conditions. Propagation can also be achieved through division of the rosette or stem cuttings.
In summary, Stanleya pinnata (Pursh) Britt. var. bipinnata (Greene) Rollins, also known as desert princesplume or desert plume, is a unique and useful native plant that has a striking appearance with tall flowering stalks of yellow flowers. Its uses range from traditional medicinal purposes to modern horticulture and habitat conservation.Light Requirements
Stanleya pinnata (Pursh) Britt. var. bipinnata (Greene) Rollins requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. The plant prefers direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day to produce sturdy stems and healthy foliage.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in areas with dry and hot climates, like the Great Plains and western North America. The best temperature range for Stanleya pinnata (Pursh) Britt. var. bipinnata (Greene) Rollins is between 70°F and 90°F. It can also tolerate extreme temperatures that can range from 32°F to 110°F.
Soil Requirements
Stanleya pinnata (Pursh) Britt. var. bipinnata (Greene) Rollins grows well in well-draining soils that are alkaline and moderately fertile. The ideal soil pH for this plant ranges from 7.4 to 8.7. It can still grow in soils with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5, but it is best to keep the soil pH above 7.0. The soil should also be deep and not compacted to allow for water absorption and root growth.
Cultivation Methods
Stanleya pinnata (Pursh) Britt. var. bipinnata (Greene) Rollins is a sun-loving plant that requires well-drained soil. The best way to cultivate this plant is to start with sandy soil, which provides the perfect drainage for the plant. Soil pH should be alkaline, with a pH of 7.0-8.5, and should be enriched with organic matter through the addition of composted manure.
The optimal time for planting this species in the garden is early spring when the temperatures are consistently above freezing. This will allow the plant to establish roots and grow strong before the summer heat arrives. When planting, the hole should be twice as wide as the plant's root ball, and the plant should be placed at the same depth as it grew in the nursery pot. Cover the roots with soil, and water well.
Watering Needs
Watering of Stanleya pinnata (Pursh) Britt. var. bipinnata (Greene) Rollins must be done regularly, but the plant must be kept dry between waterings. When the plant is in its growth phase, water it deeply once a week. During the winter, when the plant is dormant, it should be watered sparingly. Excessive water can lead to root rot, so ensure that the soil dries out before watering again.
Using mulch around the plant can help the soil retain moisture and prevent water evaporation from the soil surface.
Fertilization
Stanleya pinnata (Pursh) Britt. var. bipinnata (Greene) Rollins is drought-tolerant and requires minimal fertilization. It can benefit from the addition of a slow-release fertilizer with low nitrogen and high phosphorus and potassium during the growing season. However, adding too much fertilizer will encourage excessive vegetative growth, which can lead to the plant's collapse. The use of composted manure is an excellent option that can work well with this plant.
Pruning
Stanleya pinnata (Pursh) Britt. var. bipinnata (Greene) Rollins generally does not require pruning unless it has broken or dead branches. These should be removed promptly to prevent further damage to the plant. After flowering, when the seeds have dried up, the stems can be cut back to the base, removing the spent flowers. Cutting the stem back will encourage the plant to produce more blooms. Regular removal of spent flowers can also help prevent the plant from spreading to unwanted areas.
Propagation of Stanleya pinnata (Pursh) Britt. var. bipinnata (Greene) Rollins
Stanleya pinnata (Pursh) Britt. var. bipinnata (Greene) Rollins, also known as desert princesplume or desert candle, is a perennial herb belonging to the family Brassicaceae. Propagation of this plant can be done by seed or root cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
The easiest and most common method of propagating Stanleya pinnata (Pursh) Britt. var. bipinnata (Greene) Rollins is through seeds. The seeds should be collected when the seedpods are brown and dry. This is usually in late summer or early autumn. It is important to wait until this time, as collecting the seeds too early can result in poor germination rates.
Once collected, the seeds should be stored in a dry and cool place until needed for sowing. Before sowing, the seeds can be treated with hot water to soften the seed coat and encourage germination. This can be done by placing the seeds in hot water for 15-20 seconds and then immediately cooling them in cold water.
The seeds can then be sown in a well-draining soil mix at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 1-3 weeks.
Propagation by Root Cuttings
Propagation of Stanleya pinnata (Pursh) Britt. var. bipinnata (Greene) Rollins can also be done by root cuttings. This method is best done in late autumn or early winter when the plant is dormant.
To propagate by root cuttings, select healthy and established plants with well-developed root systems. Using a sharp and clean cutting tool, cut sections of the root that are about 2-3 inches long. These sections should be planted horizontally in a well-draining soil mix, with the cut side facing downwards and the top of the cutting just below the soil surface.
The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be kept in a shaded area. Roots should begin to develop in 4-6 weeks, and once these roots have established, the new plants can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease Management for Stanleya pinnata (Pursh) Britt. var. bipinnata (Greene) Rollins
The Stanleya pinnata (Pursh) Britt. var. bipinnata (Greene) Rollins, commonly known as desert princesplume, is typically a hardy and resilient plant that does not easily succumb to disease. However, there are certain diseases that can affect the plant if not managed properly.
One of the most common diseases that affect the desert princesplume is verticillium wilt. This is a fungal disease that can cause a rapid decline in the plant's health, leading to wilted and yellowing leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to maintain proper soil drainage, avoid planting in overcrowded areas, and remove any infected plant debris.
Anthractnose is another fungal disease that can affect the Stanleya pinnata. This disease is characterized by small, sunken lesions on the leaves and stems, which can eventually lead to leaf drop and stem cankers. To manage anthracnose, it is important to avoid overhead watering, improve overall plant health through proper fertilization, and prune out any infected branches as soon as possible.
Pest Management for Stanleya pinnata (Pursh) Britt. var. bipinnata (Greene) Rollins
While the desert princesplume is not typically prone to pests, there are certain insects that can still pose a threat to the plant's health. One of the most common pests that affect the Stanleya pinnata is the flea beetle. These small insects can cause significant damage to the plant's leaves, leading to defoliation and reduced plant growth. To manage flea beetles, it is important to plant companion species such as marigolds, which can help repel these pests naturally. In addition, introducing natural predators such as ladybugs can also help control flea beetle populations.
The desert princesplume can also be affected by aphids, which are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause wilting and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, it is important to introduce natural predators such as lacewings and ladybugs, as well as practicing regular insecticide treatments if necessary.
Overall, the Stanleya pinnata (Pursh) Britt. var. bipinnata (Greene) Rollins is a hardy and resilient plant that can withstand a variety of environmental conditions. However, it is important to remain vigilant for signs of disease and pest infestation, and take appropriate measures to manage these issues as soon as they arise.
