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Description
Descurainia incisa, commonly known as Cutleaf Tansy Mustard or Incised Tansy Mustard, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It is an annual or biennial herb that grows up to 40-80 cm tall. It has a slender stem with small green leaves that are deeply divided into narrow segments. The flowers of Descurainia incisa are small and yellow, and they bloom in clusters from late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Descurainia |
Appearance
Descurainia incisa has a delicate and fine-textured appearance. The leaves are light green and finely divided, giving it a lacy look. The flowers are small and yellow, and they bloom in clusters from late spring to early summer. The plant has a slender stem that can grow up to 40-80 cm tall. The seeds of Descurainia incisa are small and black.
Care Guide
Descurainia incisa is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are some care tips for growing this plant:
Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter.
Fertilization: Descurainia incisa does not require much fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
Sunlight: Descurainia incisa prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It grows best in areas with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: Descurainia incisa is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Descurainia incisa is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, and flea beetles. To control these pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew. To prevent these diseases, ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Habitat
Descurainia incisa is native to North America and can be found in many parts of the continent. It grows in a variety of habitats, including prairies, meadows, and disturbed areas. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Descurainia incisa a perennial or an annual plant?
A: Descurainia incisa can be either an annual or a biennial plant.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Descurainia incisa?
A: Descurainia incisa can be affected by aphids, caterpillars, and flea beetles. It can also be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew.
Q: What is the best soil type for growing Descurainia incisa?
A: Descurainia incisa prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Descurainia incisa?
A: Descurainia incisa is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Descurainia incisa:
- Descurainia sophia (Flixweed)
- Cakile edentula (Sea Rocket)
- Erysimum asperum (Western Wallflower)
References
- “Descurainia Incisa.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j650.
- “Descurainia incisa.” USDA Plants Database, plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=DEIN.
- “Descurainia Incisa.” Dave’s Garden, www.davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/2683/.
