Overview
Thelypodium integrifolium (Nutt.) Endl. ex Walp. ssp. gracilipes (B.L. Robins.) Al-Shehbaz, also known as the slenderstem mustard, is a herbaceous perennial plant endemic to North America. It is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which also includes kale, broccoli, and cabbage.
Origin and Distribution
Thelypodium integrifolium is native to the western United States and Canada, particularly in the rocky or gravelly soils of the Great Basin and Rocky Mountain regions. It is commonly found in high elevations ranging from western Wyoming to eastern California and Nevada.
Appearance
The slenderstem mustard has basal leaves that are simple, meaning they are not divided, and generally oval to lance-shaped, with the edges varying from smooth to slightly toothed. These leaves are typically grey-green in color and grow up to 15 cm long. The flowers of the slenderstem mustard are small and white, or occasionally light pink, and grow in terminal clusters at the top of the stems. The plant generally grows to be 20-50 cm tall, with stems that are either unbranched or only slightly branched.
Uses
The Thelypodium integrifolium has been used by Native American tribes as a food source, particularly for the nutritious, tender leaves. It has also been used for medicinal purposes, including as a treatment for coughs, colds, and pain relief. The plant can also provide stability to slopes and erosion-prone sites due to its deep taproot, making it a useful plant in restoration and erosion control projects.
Overall, the slenderstem mustard is a relatively small but significant plant species with a rich history of uses in North America.Typical Growth Conditions of Thelypodium integrifolium subspecies gracilipes
Thelypodium integrifolium subspecies gracilipes is commonly known as the slenderstem mustard, and it typically grows in the grassy areas and foothills of the Rocky Mountains in North America. The plant prefers well-drained soils and sunny areas but can tolerate partial shade.
Light Requirements
Thelypodium integrifolium subspecies gracilipes requires full sun to thrive. It can grow in partially shaded areas, but full sun exposure promotes healthy growth and flowering. Insufficient light can result in poor flowering and weak stems.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adapted to cold temperatures and can withstand frost and snow. It grows best in areas with a cold, dry climate and can tolerate fluctuating temperatures. The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-8, where the temperature ranges from -40 to 20°C (-40 to 68°F).
Soil Requirements
Thelypodium integrifolium subspecies gracilipes prefers well-drained, loose, and sandy soils. It can also grow in loamy soils but cannot tolerate waterlogged soils. The plant has low to moderate nutrient requirements. Adding organic matter to the soil, such as compost, can help improve soil structure and fertility.
The plant is a good choice for revegetation projects due to its tolerance to poor soil conditions. However, it is best to avoid planting the species in areas with high salinity, as it can negatively affect the plant's growth and survival.
Cultivation Methods for Thelypodium integrifolium (Nutt.) Endl. ex Walp. ssp. gracilipes (B.L. Robins.) Al-Shehbaz
Thelypodium integrifolium (Nutt.) Endl. ex Walp. ssp. gracilipes (B.L. Robins.) Al-Shehbaz, commonly known as the western wild mustard, is a hardy plant that grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. This species prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
These plants are best propagated from seeds that are planted in the early spring or late fall. The seeds should be planted 1-2 inches deep and spaced about 6 inches apart. It is important to keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
Watering Needs for Thelypodium integrifolium (Nutt.) Endl. ex Walp. ssp. gracilipes (B.L. Robins.) Al-Shehbaz
Thelypodium integrifolium (Nutt.) Endl. ex Walp. ssp. gracilipes (B.L. Robins.) Al-Shehbaz requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
It is important to water these plants at the base and avoid getting the leaves wet, as wet foliage can lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization for Thelypodium integrifolium (Nutt.) Endl. ex Walp. ssp. gracilipes (B.L. Robins.) Al-Shehbaz
Thelypodium integrifolium (Nutt.) Endl. ex Walp. ssp. gracilipes (B.L. Robins.) Al-Shehbaz does not require heavy fertilization as excess nutrients can cause the plant to grow too quickly and become weak. However, a light application of balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote healthy growth.
Organic fertilizers, such as compost or manure, are also beneficial for these plants as they help improve soil health.
Pruning for Thelypodium integrifolium (Nutt.) Endl. ex Walp. ssp. gracilipes (B.L. Robins.) Al-Shehbaz
Thelypodium integrifolium (Nutt.) Endl. ex Walp. ssp. gracilipes (B.L. Robins.) Al-Shehbaz does not require regular pruning. However, removing any dead or damaged foliage can help keep the plant healthy and looking its best.
Seed heads can also be removed after flowering to prevent self-seeding and promote new growth.
Propagation of Thelypodium integrifolium ssp. gracilipes
Thelypodium integrifolium ssp. gracilipes can be propagated by seed or vegetative means.
Seed Propagation
The plant produces seed pods after flowering, which can be collected and sown in fall or early spring. The seeds require proper stratification - exposure to cold conditions for a period - to break their dormancy. This can be achieved by placing the seeds in a moist paper towel and keeping them in the refrigerator for three to four weeks. Once the stratification period is over, the seeds can be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist until germination, which usually occurs within three to four weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Thelypodium integrifolium ssp. gracilipes can also be propagated vegetatively. The plant produces rhizomes, which are underground stems that grow horizontally and produce new shoots. These rhizomes can be dug up, separated, and replanted in another location. It is important to ensure that each separated rhizome has at least one shoot for successful propagation. Spring is the best time for this method of propagation.
Another vegetative propagation method is through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings can be taken in summer or early fall and plant hormone rooting powder can be used to improve success rates. The cuttings should be eight to ten centimeters long and the lower leaves should be removed. The cuttings can then be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist until roots develop, which usually takes two to three weeks.
Disease Management
Thelypodium integrifolium (Nutt.) Endl. ex Walp. ssp. gracilipes (B.L. Robins.) Al-Shehbaz is generally a hardy plant and is not susceptible to many diseases. However, improper watering, nutrient deficiencies, and pathogen infestations can cause problems.
One common disease that can affect this plant is powdery mildew. This fungal infection thrives in high humidity or damp conditions and can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, make sure to water the plant in the morning and avoid getting water on the leaves. Remove affected leaves promptly and treat with a fungicide if necessary.
Another disease that can afflict Thelypodium integrifolium is black spot. This fungal infection causes black spots to appear on the leaves, eventually leading to defoliation. To manage black spot, remove affected leaves promptly and spray with a fungicide. It is also important to keep the area around the plant clean and free of debris as the fungus can overwinter in fallen leaves.
Pest Management
Like many plants, Thelypodium integrifolium is susceptible to pest infestations. The most common pests that can damage this plant are aphids, spider mites, and cabbage loopers.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to curl and distort. To manage aphids, try spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or using insecticidal soap. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs to the garden to help control the population.
Spider mites are another common pest that can infest Thelypodium integrifolium. These tiny arachnids feed on the underside of leaves, causing them to yellow and eventually drop off. To manage spider mites, try spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or using insecticidal soap. You can also introduce natural predators such as predatory mites to control the population.
Cabbage loopers are caterpillars that feed on the leaves and buds of the plant, causing extensive damage. To manage cabbage loopers, handpick the caterpillars off the plant or use a pesticide specifically designed for caterpillar control.
Regularly inspecting the plant for pests and promptly addressing any infestations can help keep Thelypodium integrifolium healthy and beautiful.
