Contents
Description
Thlaspi Arvense, also known as Field Penny-cress or Field Pennycress, is a winter annual or biennial plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. This plant is native to Europe and Asia but has been naturalized in many other parts of the world, including North America. It is commonly found in disturbed areas, fields, roadsides, and waste places.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Thlaspi |
Appearance
The Thlaspi Arvense plant has a rosette of basal leaves that are deeply lobed and toothed. The stem is erect, branched, and can grow up to 1.5 feet tall. The flowers are small, white, and bloom from May to August. The fruit is a flat, round, and winged seed pod that contains many seeds.
Care Guide
Thlaspi Arvense is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. The following care guide will help you grow healthy and beautiful plants:
- Water: The plant requires moderate watering. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require frequent fertilization. Applying a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season is sufficient.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Thlaspi Arvense can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Thlaspi Arvense is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, the following pests and diseases may affect the plant:
- Cabbage aphids: These pests suck the sap from the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves.
- Cabbage root maggots: These pests feed on the roots of the plant and can cause wilting and death of the plant.
- Clubroot: This disease is caused by a fungus that affects the roots of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves.
- Downy mildew: This disease is caused by a fungus that affects the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing and curling of leaves.
Habitat
Thlaspi Arvense is commonly found in disturbed areas, fields, roadsides, and waste places. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. The plant can grow in full sun or partial shade and can tolerate cold temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Thlaspi Arvense an invasive plant?
A: Thlaspi Arvense is considered a weed in many parts of the world, including North America, where it has naturalized.
Q: Is Thlaspi Arvense poisonous?
A: Thlaspi Arvense is not poisonous to humans or animals.
Q: Can Thlaspi Arvense be grown indoors?
A: Thlaspi Arvense is an outdoor plant and cannot be grown indoors.
Q: Does Thlaspi Arvense have any medicinal properties?
A: Thlaspi Arvense has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including respiratory problems, digestive issues, and skin infections. However, more research is needed to determine its efficacy.
Related Plants
- Thlaspi Caerulescens
- Thlaspi Montanum
- Thlaspi Perfoliatum
- Thlaspi Rotundifolium
References
- “Thlaspi Arvense.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 12 August 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286219&isprofile=0&cv=1.
- “Thlaspi Arvense.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed 12 August 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=THAR7.
- “Field Penny-cress (Thlaspi Arvense).” Minnesota Wildflowers. Accessed 12 August 2021. https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/field-penny-cress.
