Origin
Thelypodium integrifolium (Nutt.) Endl. ex Walp. var. affine (Greene) Welsh & Reveal, also commonly known as the western prairie mustard, is a perennial plant that is native to North America. This plant is found in the western part of the United States and Canada, ranging from British Columbia to California, Nevada, and Colorado.
Common Names
Thelypodium integrifolium (Nutt.) Endl. ex Walp. var. affine (Greene) Welsh & Reveal has several common names including the western prairie mustard, smoothleaf candytuft, and the entire-leaved thelypody. The common names of this plant are often associated with its leaves and its native habitat.
Uses
This plant is traditionally used for medicinal purposes by indigenous communities. It has been used to alleviate the symptoms of various ailments such as rheumatism and fever. The roots and leaves of this plant are also used to make a natural insecticide.
Additionally, Thelypodium integrifolium (Nutt.) Endl. ex Walp. var. affine (Greene) Welsh & Reveal is planted as an ornamental plant in gardens for its showy flowers. In addition, it is also a valuable plant for wildlife and pollinators, attracting bees, butterflies, and other insects.
General Appearance
Thelypodium integrifolium (Nutt.) Endl. ex Walp. var. affine (Greene) Welsh & Reveal is a perennial herb that is characterized by its bright green, shiny, entire leaves that grow in a basal rosette. The plant can reach up to 3 feet in height and produces a tall, erect stem with branching inflorescences. The flowers are white to pale purple and have four petals arranged in a cross shape. The fruit is a long, narrow capsule containing many small black seeds.
Light Requirements
Thelypodium integrifolium var. affine prefers full sun to partial shade. However, it can tolerate some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to a wide range of temperatures. Thelypodium integrifolium var. affine can tolerate cold climates, but not extreme heat. Temperatures between 60°F to 80°F are ideal for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
Thelypodium integrifolium var. affine needs well-drained soil with adequate organic matter. It can grow in sandy to loamy soils. The ideal pH for this plant is 6.0 to 7.5. It has low tolerance to waterlogged soil and saline soil.
Cultivation of Thelypodium integrifolium var. affine
Thelypodium integrifolium var. affine is a hardy, herbaceous perennial that is native to North America, particularly the western regions. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and can be grown in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils.
One crucial factor when cultivating Thelypodium integrifolium var. affine is to provide adequate spacing between plants. The ideal spacing is about 18 to 24 inches between each plant. This will allow each plant to receive enough light and nutrients, which will encourage healthy growth.
Watering Needs
Thelypodium integrifolium var. affine requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. However, it is important not to overwater the plant as it may lead to root rot. It is best to water the plant at the base, avoiding the foliage, to prevent diseases. Avoid wetting the leaves of the plant, especially in the evening, as it may encourage fungal growth.
Fertilization
Thelypodium integrifolium var. affine does not require heavy fertilization. However, adding a slow-release fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, in the spring can help promote healthy growth. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Thelypodium integrifolium var. affine does not require regular pruning. Deadheading is necessary to encourage continuous blooming. Removing spent flowers will encourage the plant to produce more buds, which will extend the blooming season. Also, prune the plant after the blooming season to encourage the plant to produce new growth the following year.
Propagation of Thelypodium Integrifolium (Nutt.) Endl. ex Walp. var. Affine (Greene) Welsh & Reveal
Thelypodium integrifolium (Nutt.) Endl. ex Walp. var. affine (Greene) Welsh & Reveal, commonly known as the western thelypodium, is a herbaceous perennial plant found in the western region of North America. The plant is best propagated through seeds and division.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds collected from the plant in the fall can be sown in the spring. It is best to pre-treat the seeds with cold stratification for a month before sowing them. To cold stratify the seeds, place them in a container with a little bit of damp sand or vermiculite and keep them in the fridge for a month. After cold stratification, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining potting mix, watered, and placed in a partially shaded location with temperatures around 70°F. The seeds will germinate in 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots once they develop 2-3 leaves.
Propagation through Division
The plant can be propagated through division when it becomes overcrowded or when it is time to rejuvenate the plant. To divide the plant, carefully dig up the entire clump and separate it into smaller clumps with a sharp, sterile knife or garden spade. Each clump should have a few healthy roots and several shoots that are at least 3 inches long. The divided clumps can be replanted in a well-draining potting mix or directly in the garden. Water the newly divided plants thoroughly and keep them in a hydrated but not waterlogged soil until they become established.
Disease Management
Thelypodium integrifolium (Nutt.) Endl. ex Walp. var. affine (Greene) Welsh & Reveal is generally resistant to most diseases. However, they can still be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and white rust.
To prevent or manage these diseases, the following practices are recommended:
- Plant resistant varieties.
- Ensure good air circulation around the plant by proper spacing.
- Avoid overhead irrigation and water the plants at the base to keep foliage dry.
- Remove and destroy any infected plant parts and debris.
- Apply fungicides as per label instructions.
Pest Management
Thelypodium integrifolium (Nutt.) Endl. ex Walp. var. affine (Greene) Welsh & Reveal is generally quite resistant to pests. However, there are a few insects that can affect the plant including aphids and caterpillars.
The following integrated pest management practices can help manage these pests:
- Monitor the plants regularly for the presence of pests.
- Introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings to the garden.
- Maintain good garden hygiene by removing plant debris and weeds.
- Handpick the caterpillars and control the aphid population by spraying water forcefully on the leaves, or using insecticidal soap or neem oil spray as per label instructions.
- In severe cases, use chemical insecticides as a last resort as they can harm beneficial insects.
