Overview
Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. idahoense (Payson) C.L. Hitchc. is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae or mustard family. It is native to North America and can be found in the mountains of western Canada and the western United States. The plant has several common names including western pennycress, western alpine pennycress, Fendler's pennygrass, and mountain pennycress.Description
Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. idahoense (Payson) C.L. Hitchc. is a low-growing plant that can reach up to 20 cm in height. The plant has a basal rosette of leaves that are oblong to spatulate in shape and have toothed margins. The leaves are covered with short, stiff hairs. The stem of the plant is erect, smooth, and branched. The flowers of the plant are small and white, and are arranged in loose clusters at the end of the stems. The plant blooms from May to August.Uses
Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. idahoense (Payson) C.L. Hitchc. is primarily used as an ornamental plant in gardens. It is also used in the restoration of disturbed sites and in erosion control due to its ability to establish quickly and compete with weeds. Additionally, the plant has been used in traditional medicine by indigenous cultures to treat a variety of ailments including stomachaches, respiratory infections, and skin conditions.Cultivation
Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. idahoense (Payson) C.L. Hitchc. prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial shade to full sun. The plant is tolerant of a range of soil types and can grow in rocky, sandy, or clay soils. It is a hardy plant that can survive temperatures as low as -40°C. The plant can be propagated through seed or by dividing the clumps of the plant. To maintain the plant's health, it is important to remove any dead or wilted leaves and flowers regularly.Growth Conditions of Thlaspi Fendleri Gray var. Idahoense (Payson) C.L. Hitchc.
Light Requirements: Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. idahoense (Payson) C.L. Hitchc. grows best in partial shade to full sun. However, it can also tolerate full shade, although it may not flower as profusely as under brighter conditions. When growing it indoors, make sure to place it in a bright spot away from direct sunlight to avoid leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements: Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. idahoense (Payson) C.L. Hitchc. is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from as low as -40°F (-40°C) to as high as 90°F (32°C). It is adapted to cold climates and can withstand frost and snow. However, it may not grow well in areas with hot and humid summers.
Soil Requirements: Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. idahoense (Payson) C.L. Hitchc. prefers moist, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. However, it does not grow well in waterlogged or poorly-drained soils. The pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (5.5 to 7.0).
Fertilizer Requirements: Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. idahoense (Payson) C.L. Hitchc. does not require frequent fertilization. However, you can add a slow-release fertilizer in early spring or a liquid fertilizer in mid-summer for a better growth performance.
Watering Requirements: Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. idahoense (Payson) C.L. Hitchc. requires regular watering throughout the growing season. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering as it can cause fungal diseases. Instead, water at the base of the plant to prevent the foliage from getting wet.
Cultivation Methods
Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. idahoense (Payson) C.L. Hitchc. is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can be grown in various soil types. It performs best in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. It prefers full sun or partial shade and is generally hardy in USDA zones 4-10.
Propagation of Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. idahoense (Payson) C.L. Hitchc. can be done by seed or cuttings. If starting from seed, it's best to plant in the fall or early spring. Seeds should be planted 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep and kept moist until germination. Cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer and should be planted in a well-draining potting mix.
Watering Needs
Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. idahoense (Payson) C.L. Hitchc. prefers moist soil but can tolerate periods of drought once established. It's important not to overwater this plant, as it can lead to root rot. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry and avoid getting water on the foliage to prevent disease.
Fertilization
Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. idahoense (Payson) C.L. Hitchc. doesn't typically require fertilizer, as it can thrive in nutrient-rich soil. However, if you notice slow growth or yellowing leaves, you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring before new growth starts.
Pruning
Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. idahoense (Payson) C.L. Hitchc. doesn't require regular pruning, but you can remove any dead or damaged foliage as needed. You can also pinch back the tips of young plants to encourage bushier growth. Avoid pruning in the fall, as it can stimulate new growth that may not have time to harden off before winter.
Propagation of Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. idahoense (Payson) C.L. Hitchc.
Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. idahoense (Payson) C.L. Hitchc., commonly known as Fendler's pennycress, can be propagated through both seed and vegetative means.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds can be sown directly into the garden bed in early spring or fall before the first frost. The soil should be well-draining and moist. The seeds should be pressed lightly into the soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. Germination can take 2-4 weeks and the seedlings should be thinned to about 12-18 inches apart when they are large enough to handle.
Alternatively, the seeds can be started indoors in late winter or early spring. The seeds should be sown in a seed-starting mix and kept moist but not waterlogged. The seedlings should be transplanted to the garden bed after the danger of frost has passed and they are large enough to handle.
Propagation through Vegetative Means
Fendler's pennycress can also be propagated through vegetative means such as stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken in mid to late summer when the plant is actively growing. Cut a stem that is about 4-6 inches long and remove the lower leaves. Dip the end of the cutting into rooting hormone and plant it into a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a shaded area until it has rooted.
Disease and Pest Management for Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. idahoense
Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. idahoense, commonly known as Idaho pennyroyal or Fendler's pennyroyal, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. While this plant is relatively resistant to diseases and pests, here are some common issues that can affect it and the ways to manage them:
Black Spot
Black spot is a fungal disease that causes circular black spots to form on the leaves of the plant. The best way to manage this disease is to make sure the plant has good air circulation and to avoid getting water on the leaves. If the disease does occur, remove the affected leaves and dispose of them away from the plant.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that creates white or gray powdery spots on the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, remove any affected areas, and treat it with a fungicide. To prevent powdery mildew from happening, make sure the plant is in a location with good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the plant's leaves and can cause damage to the plant. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. Also, make sure the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Cutworms
Cutworms are caterpillars that can eat through the plant's delicate stems, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, remove any visible caterpillars and apply a natural insect repellent. You can also protect the plant by placing a collar around the base of the stem, making it difficult for the cutworms to reach the plant.
By following these tips for disease and pest management, you can help keep your Thlaspi fendleri Gray var. idahoense healthy and thriving.
