Description
Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. var. niger (Greene) Munz, commonly known as the Black Mountain garland, is a species of flowering plant in the Brassicaceae family. It is a perennial herb that can reach up to 1 meter in height. It has a woody stem and hairy leaves that are gray-green in color. The flowers are clustered at the ends of the stems and are usually purple or lavender in color, but can sometimes be white or pink. The plant has a spicy fragrance and is often found in groups or colonies.
Origin
The Black Mountain garland is native to the western United States, specifically the states of California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Black Mountain garland, but it also has other common names such as Purple-flowered Jewelflower and Kings River Indian Warrior.
Uses
Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. var. niger (Greene) Munz has several medicinal uses among Native American tribes. The plant was used externally as a poultice for treating aches and pains. It was also used internally to treat stomach pains and diarrhea. The plant was used by the Paiute Tribe as a natural remedy for a number of ailments by brewing a tea made from the stems and leaves of the plant. Today, the plant is mainly used as an ornamental plant in rock gardens or as a wildflower in meadows or slopes.
Light Requirements
Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. var. niger (Greene) Munz prefers full sunlight to partial shade. It can tolerate shade for a few hours but may not grow properly without adequate sunlight. Therefore, it should be planted in an area where it can receive 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for the growth of Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. var. niger (Greene) Munz is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate moderately cold temperatures but cannot withstand frost. Therefore, it should be planted in areas where the temperature does not drop below freezing.
Soil Requirements
Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. var. niger (Greene) Munz prefers well-draining, fertile soils. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter to promote healthy growth. It is recommended to amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.
Cultivation
Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. var. niger (Greene) Munz, commonly known as velvet yellow rockcress, is a unique flowering plant that belongs to the mustard family. It is native to the mountainous regions of California and Oregon and thrives in well-draining, rocky soils.
The plant prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It is best to plant it in the spring when the soil is warm and moist. Sow the seeds about one-quarter inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings emerge.
Watering Needs
Velvet yellow rockcress requires moderate watering during its growing season, which is from the spring to late summer. It is best to water the plant deeply once a week rather than frequent, shallow watering. Ideally, the soil should stay moist, but not waterlogged, as the plant can be susceptible to root rot.
During the fall and winter, reduce watering frequency, but ensure that the soil remains slightly moist to prevent the plant from drying out.
Fertilization
Velvet yellow rockcress performs best in soils with low to medium fertility. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering. Fertilize the plant sparingly with a balanced fertilizer in the early spring when the plant starts actively growing.
If necessary, add compost or well-aged manure to the soil before planting to provide the necessary nutrients.
Pruning
Velvet yellow rockcress does not require extensive pruning. However, deadheading the spent flowers regularly will promote continuous blooming and prevent the plant from reseeding itself.
If the plant becomes too leggy or starts to flop, pinch back the top growth by a few inches or cut back the stem to a point where new growth has started. This technique will encourage bushier and more compact growth.
Propagation of Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. var. niger (Greene) Munz
Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. var. niger (Greene) Munz, commonly known as black jewel-flower, is a plant native to the western United States. It is a perennial herb that typically grows up to 70 cm tall, with dark purple flowers that bloom from February to July.
Propagation by Seed
The most common method of propagating this plant is through seeds. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil in early spring, either indoors or directly in the garden. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within two to three weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to their final location once they have developed their second set of true leaves.
Propagation by Cuttings
In addition to seed propagation, this plant can also be propagated by cuttings. Softwood cuttings are taken from the new growth in the spring and early summer. The cuttings should be approximately 10-15 cm long, and the bottom leaves should be removed. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the cuttings moist and in a warm, bright location. Roots should develop in 2-3 weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted to their final location once they are well established.
Propagation by Division
Another propagation method for this plant is through division. This is best done in early spring before the plant begins active growth. The parent plant should be lifted from the soil, and the foliage and roots should be gently separated into smaller sections. Each section should have several healthy roots and some foliage. The divided sections can be replanted in their final location and should be kept moist until they are established.
Disease and Pest Management for Streptanthus Glandulosus Hook. var. Niger (Greene) Munz
Streptanthus Glandulosus Hook. var. Niger (Greene) Munz, also known as black mustard, is a small plant species that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Like any other plant, Streptanthus Glandulosus is vulnerable to certain diseases and pests that can negatively impact growth and yield. Here is detailed information on the common diseases and pests that affect the plant and ways to control the damage.
Disease Management
1. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on leaves, eventually leading to leaf loss. To manage leaf spot, ensure that you maintain proper inter-plant spacing to allow efficient air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides that contain copper or sulfur can also be used to control the disease.
2. Clubroot: Clubroot is a soil-borne disease that affects the roots of the plant, resulting in the formation of club-shaped roots that limit water and nutrient uptake, causing wilting and yellowing of leaves. To manage clubroot, ensure proper drainage and sanitize your garden tools to avoid spreading the disease. Infected plant materials should be removed and disposed of to prevent the spread of the disease.
3. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery substance on leaves and stems, causing leaves to curl and eventually fall off. To manage powdery mildew, ensure to maintain proper air circulation, remove and destroy infected plant parts, and also apply fungicides.
Pest Management
1. Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting of leaves. To manage aphids, consider using insecticidal soap, neem oil or integrated pest management techniques like releasing beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, which will feed on and control the population of aphids.
2. Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies and moths and can cause significant damage to plants. Their feeding habit involves eating through the leaf tissue, creating holes, which could lead to defoliation. To manage caterpillars on Streptanthus Glandulosus, consider using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or other insecticides.
3. Slugs and Snails: Slugs and snails are common pests that feed on leaves and stems of the plant. Their feeding habit involves taking parts out of the edges of the leaves and leaving irregular holes. To manage them, consider using slug pellets or copper barriers.
By implementing the above management practices, you can minimize the damage that pests and diseases cause to Streptanthus glandulosus Hook. var. niger (Greene) Munz and grow a healthy plant.
