Overview
Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. glaucum (A. Nels.) C.L. Hitchc. is a member of the Brassicaceae family and is commonly known as Fendler's pennycress.
Origin
The plant is native to the western region of North America, including parts of the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Appearance
The plant typically grows to a height of 20-60 cm and has round or oval-shaped leaves that are bluish-green in color. The flowers are small, white, and four-petaled, and bloom in the spring and early summer. The fruit is a flat, round, and winged capsule that contains small seeds.
Uses
In traditional Native American medicine, various parts of the plant were used to treat ailments such as toothaches, sore throats, and skin irritations. The plant is also used as a cover crop and a source of forage for livestock. Additionally, Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. glaucum is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance and hardiness.
Light Requirements
Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. glaucum typically requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. In shaded areas, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
Temperature
This plant prefers cooler temperatures and is tolerant of frost. Temperatures around 60-70°F during the day and 40-50°F at night are ideal for growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. glaucum prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH range of 5.5 to 7.0 is ideal for this plant. Avoid areas with clay-heavy or compacted soil.
The plant can also tolerate slightly alkaline soils and is adapted to grow in dry and rocky slopes or soils with sand or fine gravel.
Cultivation
Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. glaucum (A. Nels.) C.L. Hitchc. can be cultivated in a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. It is best to plant this species in the spring or fall when the temperatures are mild. The plant prefers full sun, but it can grow in partial or dappled shade.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. glaucum (A. Nels.) C.L. Hitchc. depend on the climate and soil type. In general, it is best to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. The plant can tolerate short periods of drought, but it should not be allowed to dry out completely. During the summer, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. glaucum (A. Nels.) C.L. Hitchc. requires little fertilization. An all-purpose fertilizer can be applied in the spring to help promote growth. However, excessive fertilizer can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. glaucum (A. Nels.) C.L. Hitchc. does not require pruning. However, deadheading the spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blooms. The plant may also benefit from a light pruning in the fall to remove any dead or damaged foliage.
Propagation of Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. glaucum
Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. glaucum (A. Nels.) C.L. Hitchc. can be propagated through various methods, including division, seeds, cuttings, and tissue culture.
Division
Division is a method of propagation that involves dividing the mature plant into two or more sections to create new plants. Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. glaucum can be propagated through division by carefully separating the root ball and replanting in separate containers or areas of the garden. This method is typically carried out in early spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing.
Seeds
Seeds are another method of propagating Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. glaucum. The seeds can be collected from mature plants and planted in soil or a seed-starting mix. The seeds should be planted at a depth of approximately 1/8 to ¼ inch and kept moist until germination occurs. This typically takes about one to three weeks, depending on growing conditions.
Cuttings
Cuttings are another method of propagation and involve taking a stem cutting from a mature plant and rooting it in soil or a rooting hormone. Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. glaucum cuttings should be taken in early spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the garden.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a propagation method that involves growing plants from small pieces of plant tissue, such as leaves or stems, in a laboratory setting. This method is typically used for large-scale propagation or for creating disease-free plants. It requires specialized equipment and expertise and is not typically carried out by home gardeners.
Disease and Pest Management for Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. glaucum (A. Nels.) C.L. Hitchc.
Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. glaucum, commonly known as Fendler's pennycress, is a hardy plant species that can tolerate various types of soil and harsh growing environments. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to different types of diseases and pests that can pose a threat to its health and productivity.
Common Diseases That Affect Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. glaucum
1. Downy Mildew - This fungal disease is caused by Peronospora thlaspeos and can spread quickly through spores carried by air, water, or infected debris. Symptoms include yellowing and curling leaves and fuzzy white growth on the undersides of the leaves. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicide as a preventive measure during the growing season.
2. Clubroot - Clubroot is caused by the pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae, and it attacks the plant's roots, causing stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing. To manage this disease, avoid planting susceptible crops in infected soil, practice crop rotation, and sanitize tools and equipment between uses.
3. Alternaria Blight - This fungal disease is caused by Alternaria spp., and it affects the plant's leaves, causing brown spots, yellowing, and wilting. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicide as a preventive measure during the growing season.
Common Pests That Affect Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. glaucum
1. Aphids - These small insects feed on plant fluids, causing stunted growth, yellowing, and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap, introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs, or use reflective mulch to repel them.
2. Flea Beetles - These small, jumping beetles feed on the leaves, causing small, round holes and chewed edges. To manage flea beetles, use row covers to prevent them from reaching the plant or use insecticide as a last resort.
3. Cabbage Maggots - These pests are larvae of the cabbage root fly and feed on the roots, causing stunted growth and wilting. To manage cabbage maggots, use floating row covers to prevent the adult flies from laying eggs or use insecticide as a last resort.
By being proactive and implementing preventive measures, such as proper crop rotation, sanitation, and using natural pest control methods, you can help keep Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. glaucum healthy and productive. In addition, early detection and quick management of diseases and pests can prevent plant damage and improve yield.
