Valerianella Locusta

Description

Valerianella Locusta, commonly known as corn salad, lamb’s lettuce, or mâche, is a cool-season annual or biennial plant that belongs to the family Valerianaceae. It is native to Europe and western Asia and has been cultivated for centuries as a leaf vegetable.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The leaves of Valerianella Locusta are smooth and spatulate, measuring about 2-12 cm long and 1-3 cm wide. The plant has a basal rosette of leaves that are arranged in a spiral pattern. The flowers are small and white, with five petals that are fused at the base, and bloom in clusters at the end of the stems. The fruit is a capsule that contains several small seeds.

Care Guide

Valerianella Locusta is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips:

Water

Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more frequently in hot, dry weather.

Fertilization

Valerianella Locusta does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season is sufficient.

Soil

Valerianella Locusta prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH range of 6.0-7.5 is ideal.

Sunlight

Valerianella Locusta prefers partial shade to full sun. In hot climates, it may benefit from some afternoon shade.

Hardiness Zones

Valerianella Locusta is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

The most common pests and diseases that affect Valerianella Locusta include:

Pests

• Aphids
• Slugs
• Snails
• Cutworms
• Wireworms

Diseases

• Downy mildew
• Leaf spot
• Verticillium wilt
• Fusarium wilt

Habitat

Valerianella Locusta is a cool-season crop that thrives in cool, moist conditions. It is typically grown in the spring and fall, and prefers temperatures between 45-65°F. It can be grown in a variety of soils, but prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Valerianella Locusta a perennial or an annual plant?

A: Valerianella Locusta is an annual or biennial plant.

Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Valerianella Locusta?

A: The common pests that affect Valerianella Locusta include aphids, slugs, snails, cutworms, and wireworms. The common diseases include downy mildew, leaf spot, verticillium wilt, and fusarium wilt.

Q: What is the ideal pH range for growing Valerianella Locusta?

A: The ideal pH range for growing Valerianella Locusta is 6.0-7.5.

Q: What is the hardiness zone for Valerianella Locusta?

A: Valerianella Locusta is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Related Plants

• Valerianella eriocarpa
• Valerianella locusta var. latifolia
• Valerianella locusta var. olitoria
• Valerianella umbilicata

References

• “Valerianella locusta (L.) Laterr.” Plants for a Future, 2021, https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Valerianella+locusta. Accessed 16 November 2021.
• “Valerianella locusta.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021, http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287494. Accessed 16 November 2021.
• “Valerianella locusta.” Wikipedia, 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerianella_locusta. Accessed 16 November 2021.