Overview:
Thlaspi alpestre L. var. glaucum A. Nels. is a perennial herbaceous plant, which is part of the Brassicaceae family. It is commonly found in North America's subalpine and alpine regions and has been introduced to some parts of Europe.
Common Names:
Thlaspi alpestre L. var. glaucum A. Nels. is commonly known as Mountain Penny-cress, Rocky Mountain pennycress or Glaucous Penny-cress.
Appearance:
The plant has a basal rosette of oblong to oval leaves and stems that are branched from the base, measuring 30-60 cm in length. The leaves are toothed, dark green, and up to 10 cm long. The flowering stems are usually elongated and branch in the upper part of the plant. They are up to 80 cm tall, with inflorescences of numerous small white flowers bearing four petals, 1-2 mm long. The plant bears a fruit with a flat round shape and a diameter of about 3-4 mm.
Uses:
Thlaspi alpestre L. var. glaucum A. Nels. is utilized in traditional medicine by the indigenous people of North America for various purposes, including treating skin ailments, headaches, and respiratory problems. Also, it is used as a food source by wild animals and as a repellent of certain insect pests in agriculture.
Growth Conditions for Thlaspi alpestre L. var. glaucum A. Nels.
Light Requirements: Thlaspi alpestre L. var. glaucum A. Nels. prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in leggy growth and reduced overall plant vigor.
Temperature Requirements: This plant is native to alpine regions and therefore prefers cooler temperatures. It can withstand temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F) and as high as 24°C (75°F). However, it grows best in moderate temperatures between 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F).
Soil Requirements: Thlaspi alpestre L. var. glaucum A. Nels. prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5, although it can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils. It can grow in poor soils and rocky terrain, as long as the soil is well-draining.
Water Requirements: This plant prefers moderate watering, with the soil remaining moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilizer Requirements: Thlaspi alpestre L. var. glaucum A. Nels. does not require a lot of fertilizer. It can grow in poor soils that are not supplemented with fertilizers. However, adding a slow-release fertilizer to the soil during planting can help promote growth.
Other Considerations: Thlaspi alpestre L. var. glaucum A. Nels. is a sturdy plant that can adapt to a variety of growing conditions. It is relatively pest and disease-resistant and does not require a lot of maintenance. However, it is vulnerable to aphids and other insects that can suck on the plant sap and lead to stunted growth.
Cultivation Methods
Thlaspi alpestre L. var. glaucum A. Nels. is native to rocky and mountainous regions of North America. It thrives well in areas with well-draining soils and full sun exposure. When cultivating Thlaspi alpestre L. var. glaucum A. Nels., it is advisable to cultivate the plant in areas with adequate sunlight exposure. The plant requires moderate watering, but it is drought tolerant, and overwatering can lead to root rotting.
Watering Needs
Thlaspi alpestre L. var. glaucum A. Nels. has moderate watering needs. One should water the plant when the soil dries up. However, one should avoid overwatering the plant since it is susceptible to root rot. Overwatering can also lead to the accumulation of salts in the soil, which can harm the plant.
Fertilization
Thlaspi alpestre L. var. glaucum A. Nels. is not a heavy feeder, and hence, it does not require frequent fertilization. However, when growing the plant, one can add a layer of compost to the soil to enhance nutrient availability to the plant. Application of phosphate fertilizer can also be essential in promoting root growth. It is advisable to apply fertilizer to the soil during the spring when the plant starts growing.
Pruning
Pruning of Thlaspi alpestre L. var. glaucum A. Nels. involves removing dead or wilting leaves. It is essential to remove diseased parts of the plant to prevent the spread of diseases. Pruning can also be necessary to control the size of the plant. One should prune the plant during the dormant season when it is not actively growing.
Propagation for Thlaspi alpestre L. var. glaucum A. Nels.
Thlaspi alpestre L. var. glaucum A. Nels. can be propagated through various methods. The three propagation methods described below can be used for commercial or personal purposes.
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Thlaspi alpestre L. var. glaucum A. Nels. is by using seeds. The seeds should be collected when the seed pods brown and start to open. Keep the seeds in dry conditions until planting. Sow the seeds in a seedbed or containers. The ideal time for planting is during the fall or six weeks before the last frost. Cover the seeds lightly with soil, water, and wait for germination to happen. Germination usually occurs within 15 to 30 days. After germination, transplant the seedlings into their permanent location.
Division Propagation
Thlaspi alpestre L. var. glaucum A. Nels. can be propagated by division. The ideal time for dividing plants is in early spring. Dig up the mature plant, shake the soil from the roots, and divide the clumps while being careful not to damage or break the roots. Each division should have a few shoots and a healthy root system. Plant each division in a new location, water, and fertilize as necessary.
Cuttings Propagation
Thlaspi alpestre L. var. glaucum A. Nels. can be propagated through cuttings. Take cuttings during the early morning hours as this is when the moisture content is highest in the plant. Cuttings should be taken from dormant plants. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormones and placed in a potting mix. The cuttings should be misted regularly and kept under a humid environment. After root formation has occurred, transplant the cuttings to their permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Thlaspi alpestre L. var. glaucum A. Nels.
Thlaspi alpestre L. var. glaucum A. Nels. is a hardy plant that is naturally resistant to many pests and diseases. However, some common pests and diseases that could potentially affect this plant are:
Diseases
Clubroot: This fungal disease affects the plant's roots and causes them to swell, resulting in stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to rotate crops, avoid planting in infected soil, and maintaining a pH level of 7 or above.
Downy mildew: This disease causes yellow and brown spots on the leaves and can spread rapidly in cool and moist conditions. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Pests
Aphids: These small insects feed on the plant's sap and can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and distorted growth. To manage aphids, it is recommended to introduce predatory insects or use an insecticidal soap.
Cabbage loopers: These caterpillars eat holes in the plant's leaves and can cause extensive damage if left unchecked. To manage cabbage loopers, it is recommended to handpick them or use an insecticide specifically designed for caterpillars.
Overall, maintaining a healthy and well-kept garden is the best way to prevent these diseases and pests from affecting Thlaspi alpestre L. var. glaucum A. Nels. In cases where pests or diseases do affect the plant, it is important to act quickly and use the appropriate management strategies to prevent further damage.
