Origin
Thelypodium laciniatum (Hook.) Endl. ex Walp. var. streptanthoides (Leib. ex Piper) Payson, commonly known as Western thelypody, is a herbaceous plant species native to western North America. It typically grows in sandy and rocky soils at elevations ranging from 1000 to 8000 feet in the states of California, Oregon, and Washington.
Common Names
Western thelypody goes by a few different common names, including cut-leaf thelypody, laceleaf thelpody, and Pacific prairieviolet.
Uses
The Western thelypody plant has been used in traditional medicine in Native American cultures as a remedy for various ailments, including sore throats, stomachache, and congestion. The Navajo people would also use the plant as an expectorant. Additionally, Western thelypody is also a popular garden plant due to its ornamental value with showy, purple flowers that bloom in mid-summer.
Appearance
Western thelypody is a perennial herb that typically grows to a height of one to two feet. The plant has large, deeply lobed green leaves that are lance-shaped and finely divided, resembling the leaves of a fern. The flowers of the plant are small, ranging in color from deep purple to lavender-pink. The seeds of the plant are contained in pods that hang downward and are up to six inches long. The Western thelypody plant is a beautiful, low-maintenance addition to any garden due to its unique and attractive appearance.
Light Requirements
Thelypodium laciniatum var. streptanthoides requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It may struggle in areas with full shade or low light intensity. In natural habitats, it is often found growing in open prairies, meadows, and hillsides where full sun is abundant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers cooler climates with temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. It can also withstand cold temperatures of up to -20 degrees Celsius. In warmer climates, the plant may become dormant during the hot summer months in order to conserve energy.
Soil Requirements
Thelypodium laciniatum var. streptanthoides prefers well-drained soils with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it does not perform well in waterlogged or poorly drained soils. The plant also benefits from soil that is rich in organic matter.
Cultivation Methods
Thelypodium laciniatum (Hook.) Endl. ex Walp. var. streptanthoides (Leib. ex Piper) Payson is a hardy perennial that is native to the western United States. It can be grown in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay, with a preference for well-draining soils. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires consistent moisture.
Thelypodium laciniatum (Hook.) Endl. ex Walp. var. streptanthoides (Leib. ex Piper) Payson can be propagated through seeds or division. Sow seeds in the spring or fall, and divide plants in the fall. The plant grows slowly and may take a few years to establish.
Watering Needs
Thelypodium laciniatum (Hook.) Endl. ex Walp. var. streptanthoides (Leib. ex Piper) Payson requires consistent moisture, especially during its growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week, and adjust the frequency depending on the soil and weather conditions.
Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. The plant can tolerate drought conditions but may become stressed and lose its ornamental value.
Fertilization
Thelypodium laciniatum (Hook.) Endl. ex Walp. var. streptanthoides (Leib. ex Piper) Payson does not require heavy fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, in the spring before the growing season begins.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Thelypodium laciniatum (Hook.) Endl. ex Walp. var. streptanthoides (Leib. ex Piper) Payson does not require regular pruning. However, removing spent flower heads can encourage additional flowering and prevent the plant from self-seeding.
Trimming back the plant in the fall after it has finished blooming can also help rejuvenate the foliage and promote healthy growth in the following season.
Propagation of Thelypodium laciniatum (Hook.) Endl. ex Walp. var. streptanthoides (Leib. ex Piper) Payson
Thelypodium laciniatum (Hook.) Endl. ex Walp. var. streptanthoides (Leib. ex Piper) Payson, commonly known as western laceflower, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. It is a perennial herb that is native to Western North America and is prevalent in regions with well-draining soils and abundant sunlight.
Propagation Methods
Thelypodium laciniatum can be propagated by seeds or plant division. Seed propagation is the easiest and most commonly used method. The seeds can be collected in late summer or early fall when they have matured and turned brown. The seeds must be sown soon after being collected because they have a short viability period. They can be directly sown into the garden bed or a container of well-draining soil and covered lightly with soil. The soil must be kept moist until the seedlings emerge.
Plant division is another method of propagation that is useful for established plants that have developed into clumps. This method is usually performed in early spring before the plant begins active growth. Dig up the plant clump and carefully separate the individual plants, ensuring that each division has roots attached. The divided plants can be transplanted into pots of well-draining soil and kept moist until established.
Disease Management
Thelypodium laciniatum var. streptanthoides is generally considered to be a hardy plant, but there are still a few diseases that can affect it.
One common disease is powdery mildew, which appears as a white or gray powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to remove any affected plant parts and dispose of them properly. Additionally, maintaining good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent powdery mildew from developing.
Another disease that can affect Thelypodium laciniatum var. streptanthoides is rust, which appears as orange or yellowish-brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to remove any affected leaves and dispose of them properly. Additionally, avoiding overhead watering and improving air circulation around the plant can help prevent rust from developing.
Pest Management
While Thelypodium laciniatum var. streptanthoides is generally pest-resistant, there are still a few pests that can be a problem.
One common pest is aphids, which feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage this pest, it is important to remove any affected plant parts and wash the plant with a strong stream of water to knock off any remaining aphids. Additionally, introducing natural predators like ladybugs can help keep aphids under control.
Another pest that can affect Thelypodium laciniatum var. streptanthoides is spider mites, which typically appear as tiny red or brown dots on the leaves. To manage this pest, it is important to remove any affected plant parts and wash the plant with a strong stream of water to knock off any remaining spider mites. Additionally, introducing natural predators like predatory mites or lacewings can help keep spider mites under control.
