Overview
Stanleya pinnata, commonly known as prince's plume, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the mustard family, Brassicaceae. It is native to North America, specifically throughout the western United States and parts of Canada.
Appearance
Prince's plume is a tall and elegant plant, with vertical branches that can reach up to 6 feet in height. It has deep green foliage and a woody stem, and produces showy flowers that grow in long, narrow spikes. Each flower has four bright yellow petals and stamens that protrude from the center.
Uses
Prince's plume has been long used by Native American tribes for both culinary and medicinal purposes. The young plant shoots and leaves can be cooked and eaten, and the roots have been used to treat respiratory illnesses. In modern times, it is primarily valued for its ornamental qualities, and is a popular choice for gardeners looking for a showy and drought-resistant plant.
Light Requirements
Stanleya pinnata, also known as desert princesplume, prefers full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but will likely have stunted growth and reduced blooms.
Temperature Requirements
Desert princesplume is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive in hot and dry conditions. It thrives in areas with temperatures ranging from 60 to 100°F (15-38°C). This plant can also survive in colder temperatures as it is native to the western and central regions of North America, where winters can get cold.
Soil Requirements
Desert princesplume prefers well-draining, alkaline soils with a pH of 7.5 to 8.5. It can tolerate poor soils with low fertility and high salinity. This plant is often found growing in sandy or gravelly soil textures. It is important to ensure proper drainage to prevent standing water around the roots, which can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Stanleya pinnata, commonly known as desert princes's plume, is in the mustard family and is native to the western US. To cultivate Stanleya pinnata, you need to have a space that has full sun exposure, sandy to gravelly, well-drained soil, and adequate moisture. The plant grows well in USDA zones 3 to 8. For optimum growth, you need to sow the seeds directly in the soil in the spring or at the end of winter.
Plant the seeds shallowly, about a quarter-inch deep, and five feet apart, then cover them with soil and water gently to not displace the seeds. Ensure that you keep the soil moist until the seedlings establish themselves.
Germination can take up to four weeks, and transplanting can take place after the seedlings' second or third set of mature leaves have developed.
Watering Needs
Stanleya pinnata grows well in warm weather with adequate moisture, and overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is essential to maintain the soil's moisture level at all times during the growing season. However, the frequency of watering will vary depending on the soil type, air temperature, and humidity level.
The plant typically requires an inch of water per week to thrive, and you can monitor the soil's moisture level by inserting your finger into the soil once a week. If the soil feels dry at a depth of one inch, it's time to water the plant. Over time, you will develop a sense of the plant's water needs and can adjust watering accordingly.
Fertilization
Stanleya pinnata is a hardy plant and can grow well in poor soil, but decent soil fertility will enhance its growth. Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 16-16-16 in the spring, at the beginning of the growing season. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically one pound per 100 square feet of the plant's growing area.
Avoid using fertilizers that contain herbicides or insecticides, as they can cause harm to the plant and kill beneficial organisms in the soil.
Pruning
Pruning Stanleya pinnata is not necessary, and it is best to allow the plant to grow naturally. However, deadheading spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
The best time to deadhead is immediately after the flowers have wilted, and you should use sharp pruning shears to prevent tissue damage. Cut the stem just above the topmost node with healthy leaves to promote new growth and encourage the plant's overall health.
Propagation of Stanleya pinnata (Pursh) Britt.
Stanleya pinnata, also known as prairie smoke, is a perennial plant native to North America. It is primarily propagated using seeds, although cuttings can also be taken.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Stanleya pinnata should be planted in the fall or early spring in an area with well-draining soil and full sun. The seeds should be sown about 1/4 inch deep and kept evenly moist until germination, which can take up to two months.
Once the seedlings have sprouted, they should be thinned to a distance of 1-2 feet apart. It is important to note that Stanleya pinnata does not transplant well, so it is best to plant the seeds directly in their final location.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings of Stanleya pinnata can be taken in the summer from non-flowering stems. The cuttings should be approximately 4-6 inches long and should be taken from the top of the plant. They should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept evenly moist.
A rooting hormone can be applied to the base of the cutting to help stimulate root growth. The cuttings should be kept out of direct sunlight and should be misted regularly. Roots should form within 3-4 weeks, at which point the cuttings can be transplanted to their final location.
Disease and Pest Management for Stanleya pinnata
Stanleya pinnata is generally a disease-resistant and fairly pest-free plant. However, like all plants, it is not immune to certain problems. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
White rust: This disease is caused by a fungus that manifests as white pustules on the leaves and flowers of the plant. To manage this disease, remove any infected plant parts as soon as possible. You may also apply fungicide to the plant to further prevent the spread of the disease.
Black spot: This disease is caused by a fungus that leaves black spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, remove any infected plant parts as soon as possible. You may also apply fungicide to the plant to further prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They may cause the plant to wilt and yellow. To manage aphids, you may use insecticidal soap or neem oil to spray the plant. You may also introduce ladybugs or lacewings, which are natural predators of aphids, into the garden.
Cabbage loopers: These pests are the larvae of moths that feed on the leaves of the plant. They may cause large holes in the leaves. To manage cabbage loopers, you may use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) which is an organic pest control and spray it on the plant. You may also handpick the pests off the plant.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the plant. They may cause the leaves of the plant to appear speckled. To manage spider mites, you may wash the plant regularly with a strong stream of water to remove them. You may also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to spray the plant.
By following these disease and pest management tips, you can help keep your Stanleya pinnata plant healthy and free from pests and diseases.
