Overview
Torilis arvensis (Huds.) Link var. elatior (Gaudin) Thell., commonly known as 'Hedge-parsley', is a weedy plant in the family Apiaceae. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, but has become naturalized to many parts of North America, including the United States and Canada. This plant is considered an invasive species in some regions.
Description
Hedge-parsley is an annual plant that grows up to 80 cm in height. Its stem is thin and wiry and is covered in tiny hairs. The leaves are triangular in shape and are pinnately divided into narrow segments. Each leaf segment has small teeth along its edge. The flowers of the Hedge-parsley are white, small and are arranged in umbels. The fruit is a small, oblong, and hairy seed that is covered in hooked bristles.
Uses
In traditional medicine, Hedge-parsley has been used as a diuretic and to treat kidney stones. It has also been used to ease stomach cramps and as an antispasmodic. However, its use in herbal remedies is not widespread. This plant is also used as forage by wildlife animals, such as rabbits, sheep, and cattle.
Cultivation
Hedge-parsley prefers moist, slightly acidic soils with full to partial sun exposure. It can be propagated from seed and can reseed easily. As stated before, this plant is considered a weed in some regions, so care should be taken when introducing it into the garden.
Growth Conditions for Torilis arvensis var. elatior
Torilis arvensis var. elatior is a biennial plant that belongs to the family Apiaceae. It is commonly known as hedge parsley and is native to Europe and western Asia. It is also found in many other parts of the world such as North America and New Zealand. It is a hardy plant that grows well in a wide range of growing conditions.
Light Requirements
Torilis arvensis var. elatior is a plant that grows well in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate both direct and indirect sunlight, but it grows best in partially shaded areas. Partially shaded areas provide the plant with some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Torilis arvensis var. elatior is between 15°C and 25°C. It can also tolerate temperatures as low as 5°C and as high as 35°C. During the winter months, the plant goes dormant and survives under snow or freezing conditions.
Soil Requirements
Torilis arvensis var. elatior prefers soils that are well-drained and fertile. It grows well in sandy, loamy and clay soils of various pH ranges. The plant can tolerate acidic, alkaline, and neutral soils but it grows best in slightly acidic soil. It can also tolerate drought conditions but grows best when there is adequate water available.
Cultivation
Torilis arvensis (Huds.) Link var. elatior (Gaudin) Thell. is a biennial plant that requires a well-drained soil with good moisture capacity. The ideal soil pH for the plant is between 6.5 to 7.5. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures from 20 to 30°C during the growing period.
The plant can be propagated by seed, which should be sown in late spring or early summer. Seeds should be sown in shallow drills at a depth of 1 to 2cm. After germination, the seedlings should be thinned to a spacing of 15 to 20cm.
Watering Needs
Torilis arvensis (Huds.) Link var. elatior (Gaudin) Thell. has moderate water requirements. It is essential to maintain the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. An irrigation regime of every 3 to 4 days is enough for the plant.
Fertilization
The best time to begin fertilizing the plant is after the seedlings have produced their first set of true leaves. It is ideal to apply 50 to 65 lbs of nitrogen per acre. A low phosphorus and high-potassium fertilizer will enhance the growth of the plant.
Pruning
Torilis arvensis (Huds.) Link var. elatior (Gaudin) Thell. requires very little maintenance regarding pruning. However, to prevent the plant from reseeding automatically, deadheading the faded flowers is necessary. It will also support a more extended flowering period.
Propagation of Torilis arvensis var. elatior
Torilis arvensis var. elatior, also known as upright hedge parsley, is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant that typically grows in disturbed areas such as roadsides, fields, and waste grounds. Propagation is the process of reproducing new plants from existing plant material. Here are some common methods of propagating Torilis arvensis var. elatior:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for reproducing Torilis arvensis var. elatior. The plant produces small, hooked seeds that can cling to clothing and animal fur and be dispersed over long distances. Collecting the seeds from the plants in the fall after they have dried and turned brown is the first step to propagating Torilis arvensis var. elatior.
Prepare a seedbed in a sunny or partially shaded location that has good soil drainage. Apply a light layer of soil over the seeds and tamp gently. Water lightly and keep the soil moist until germination occurs. Thin the seedlings to six inches apart.
Root Cuttings Propagation
Root cuttings are another method of propagation that can be used to reproduce Torilis arvensis var. elatior. Take root cuttings in the fall when the plant is dormant. Cut sections of the roots that are about one inch long and plant them in a seedbed. Keep the soil moist, but not water-logged. The roots will establish in the soil over the winter months and produce foliage the following spring.
Disease Management
Torilis arvensis var. elatior is generally a healthy plant. However, there are a few diseases that can affect this species. The most common diseases that affect this species are fungal diseases. These diseases are usually caused by overly wet conditions around the root area of the plant. Some common fungal diseases that can affect this plant include leaf spot, stem canker, and root rot.
To manage these fungal diseases, it is important to practice good cultural practices, such as watering the plant correctly and keeping the area around the base of the plant free of weeds and debris. Fungicides can also be used to manage these diseases, and it is recommended to consult with a professional horticulturist or plant pathologist to determine the appropriate fungicides to use.
Pest Management
There are a few pests that can affect Torilis arvensis var. elatior. These pests include aphids, leafhoppers, and cutworms. Aphids are small green insects that feed on plant sap, while leafhoppers are small insects that can cause discoloration on the leaves of the plant. Cutworms are caterpillar-like insects that can cause damage to the stems of the plant.
One way to manage these pests is to practice good cultural practices, such as removing weeds and debris around the base of the plant and ensuring that the plant is well-watered and well-fertilized. Pesticides can also be used to manage these pests, and it is recommended to consult with a professional horticulturist or entomologist to determine the appropriate pesticides to use.
It is also important to monitor the plant regularly for signs of pest infestation and to take action as soon as possible to prevent the infestation from spreading and causing damage to the plant.
