Descurainia

Description

Descurainia is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the mustard family, Brassicaceae. This genus has around 45 species that are distributed across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The name Descurainia is derived from the French botanist Descurain, who discovered it in 1700s.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Descurainia plants are annual or perennial herbs that can grow up to 1 meter in height. The leaves are pinnately divided and alternate along the stem. The flowers are small, yellow or white in color, and arranged in racemes or corymbs. The fruit is a long, narrow, and cylindrical silique that contains many seeds.

Care Guide

Descurainia plants are easy to care for and can grow well in various conditions.

Water

Descurainia plants prefer moderate watering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.

Fertilization

Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.

Soil

Descurainia plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.

Sunlight

Descurainia plants require full sun to partial shade.

Hardiness Zones

Descurainia plants can grow in hardiness zones 3 to 10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Descurainia plants can be affected by various pests and diseases, including aphids, caterpillars, powdery mildew, and downy mildew. To prevent these issues, keep the plants healthy by providing proper care and promptly address any infestations or diseases with appropriate treatments.

Habitat

Descurainia plants can be found in various habitats, including deserts, grasslands, forests, and disturbed areas. They can tolerate drought, heat, and cold, making them adaptable to different environments.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Descurainia plants be grown indoors?

A: Yes, Descurainia plants can be grown indoors as long as they receive sufficient sunlight and are provided with well-draining soil and proper care.

Q: Are Descurainia plants edible?

A: Some Descurainia species are edible and have been used in traditional medicine and cuisine. However, not all species are safe for consumption, so it is important to verify before eating.

Q: Do Descurainia plants have any cultural significance?

A: Yes, some Native American tribes have used Descurainia plants for medicinal purposes, including treating respiratory and digestive issues.

Q: Can Descurainia plants attract pollinators?

A: Yes, Descurainia plants can attract various pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and moths with their small, fragrant flowers.

Related Plants

• Brassica
• Cardamine
• Raphanus
• Sinapis

References

• Al-Shehbaz, I. A., & Windham, M. D. (2010). Descurainia. In Flora of North America Editorial Committee (Eds.), Flora of North America North of Mexico (Vol. 7, pp. 493-498). New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Descurainia. (n.d.). In Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved July 28, 2021, from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277217&isprofile=0&basic=descurainia
• Kew Science Plants of the World Online. (n.d.). Descurainia. Retrieved July 28, 2021, from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30013124-2