Origin
Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. ssp. pulchellus (Greene) Kruckeberg, commonly known as Smooth glandweed or Puget Sound Jewel-Flower, is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It can be found in California, Oregon, Washington, British Colombia, and Alaska.
Common Names
This plant is commonly referred to as Smooth glandweed or Puget Sound Jewel-Flower.
Uses
Historically, the native peoples of the Pacific Northwest region have used this plant for medicinal purposes as a poultice on the skin to treat wounds, sores, and various types of skin ailments. The plant has also been used as a natural dye, producing a bright yellow pigment. Today, Smooth glandweed is mostly regarded as an ornamental plant due to its colorful flowers and striking appearance.
General Appearance
Smooth glandweed is a perennial herb that can grow up to 2 feet tall. Its leaves are oblong or lanceolate, smooth, and green with a glaucous hue. The plant produces bright yellow four-petaled flowers that bloom from April to July. The fruit capsule is a slender, long, and approximately 2 inches in length. The stem of the plant is green or reddish-green, and it has a slight glandular feel due to the presence of small, oil-secreting glands.
Light Requirements
Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. ssp. pulchellus requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate shade, but it may affect its flowering and overall plant growth. When grown in shady areas, the plant tends to become leggy and less robust.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in cool to cold temperatures. It prefers a temperature range between 35°F to 70°F. In very hot areas or during hot summers, it may need some protection to avoid stress. In areas with frost, the plant can tolerate it, but it may need protection during extreme frosty weather conditions.
Soil Requirements
When it comes to soil requirements, Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. ssp. pulchellus prefers well-draining soils. The ideal soil pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant can tolerate poor soil conditions, but it won't produce as many flowers or achieve optimal growth. Adding organic matter to the soil can help to improve soil quality and drainage.
Cultivation methods
Streptanthus glandulosus ssp. pulchellus is a hardy plant that is easy to grow. The plant prefers a well-draining soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH level of 6.0 to 6.5. It can grow in full sun or partial shade, but it requires good air circulation to grow correctly.
The plant can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. If you are using seeds, you should plant them in the soil at a depth of 1/8 inch. If you want to grow the plant from cuttings, you should take stem cuttings in the spring, dip them in rooting hormone, and plant them in a well-draining soil mixture.
Watering needs
Streptanthus glandulosus ssp. pulchellus has moderate watering needs. You should water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch but avoid overwatering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. If you are growing the plant in a container, ensure that it has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
You should fertilize the plant lightly during the growing season, which is in the spring and summer months. You can use a balanced fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and potassium. Avoid overfertilization, which can damage the plant's growth and cause it to produce fewer flowers.
Pruning
Pruning is not essential for Streptanthus glandulosus ssp. pulchellus, but it can help maintain its shape and promote new growth. You should prune the plant after it has finished flowering to remove any dead or damaged foliage. You can also trim back any leggy stems to promote bushier growth.
Propagation of Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. ssp. pulchellus (Greene) Kruckeberg
Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. ssp. pulchellus (Greene) Kruckeberg, commonly known as Siskiyou Mountains streptanthus, is a beautiful perennial plant that is native to the west coast of North America. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through different methods including:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is one of the most common methods of propagating Siskiyou Mountains streptanthus. The seeds used for propagation are usually collected from the seed pods of mature plants that have already dried. The seeds should be sown in the spring or fall, in a mixture of sand and peat moss, then covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about two weeks. After that, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
Cutting propagation
Propagation of Siskiyou Mountains streptanthus through cuttings is another method that can be used to create new plants. Semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken in early summer or early fall. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and should be taken from healthy plants. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting in a pot or garden bed. Keep the soil moist until the cuttings root, which usually takes about two to four weeks.
Division propagation
Siskiyou Mountains streptanthus can also be propagated through division. This method is best done in early spring before new growth begins. Dig up the entire plant and separate the clumps into smaller sections, making sure that each division has a good portion of roots and stems. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil and keep them moist until they are established.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to provide the newly propagated plants with proper care, including regular watering and fertilization, to ensure their healthy growth and development.
Disease and Pest Management for Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. ssp. pulchellus (Greene) Kruckeberg
Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. ssp. pulchellus (Greene) Kruckeberg, commonly known as the Sierra bladderpod or simply, bladderpod, is a flowering shrub species belonging to the Brassicaceae family. The plant usually grows in well-drained soils and can thrive in full sun or light shade. However, like most plants, the Sierra bladderpod is vulnerable to a wide range of pests and diseases, which can significantly impact its overall health. Therefore, good management practices are essential to protect the plant from these threats. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the Sierra bladderpod, and how to manage them.
Diseases
Verticillium Wilt: This is a fungal disease that can infect the roots of the Sierra bladderpod, leading to yellowing of the leaves and wilt. To manage this disease, it is essential to ensure good drainage and avoid over-watering the plant. Additionally, you can apply a fungicide to the affected areas to control the spread of the fungus.
Botrytis Blight: This is a fungal disease that can affect the flowers and leaves of the Sierra bladderpod, causing them to turn brown and dry up. To manage this disease, it is important to remove and destroy the affected parts of the plant. Additionally, avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent the fungus from spreading.
Pests
Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that can suck the sap out of the Sierra bladderpod, causing the leaves to curl and distort. To manage aphids, you can spray water forcefully on the affected areas to dislodge them. Moreover, predatory insects like ladybugs can help control aphids by eating them.
Spider Mites: These are tiny, eight-legged pests that can infest the Sierra bladderpod, causing yellowing and browning of the leaves. To manage spider mites, you can apply insecticidal soap or neem oil on the affected areas.
Caterpillars: These are larvae of moths and butterflies that can feed on the leaves of the Sierra bladderpod, causing significant damage. To manage caterpillars, you can handpick them from the plant and destroy them. Additionally, you can spray Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) on the affected areas to control their population.
Implementing these management practices can help maintain the health and productivity of the Sierra bladderpod. By providing adequate protection against diseases and pests, gardeners can ensure that this beautiful plant continues to thrive for years to come.
