California Tansymustard Plant Care
Descurainia californica O.E.Schulz
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Descurainia californica is a species of flowering plant in the family Brassicaceae known by the common name Sierra tansymustard. This plant is native to western North America from California to Wyoming.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for California Tansymustard?
Water California Tansymustard every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the California Tansymustard Native To?
What Is the California Tansymustard?
California Tansymustard (Descurainia californica) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Descurainia genus. California Tansymustard is native to western North America from California to Wyoming.
California Tansymustard displays an upright, branching herb growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. California Tansymustard produces small clusters of yellow-green flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a California Tansymustard?
Descurainia californica requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the California Tansymustard Need?
California Tansymustard thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the California Tansymustard Prefer?
Descurainia californica grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. California Tansymustard prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a California Tansymustard?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for California Tansymustard to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a California Tansymustard?
Feed California Tansymustard every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a California Tansymustard?
Repot annually in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a California Tansymustard?
California Tansymustard can be propagated through seeds.
Is the California Tansymustard Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list California Tansymustard, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the California Tansymustard?
California Tansymustard is susceptible to aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the California Tansymustard Need?
California Tansymustard grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. California Tansymustard is native to western North America from California to Wyoming. In cooler regions, grow California Tansymustard as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
California Tansymustard is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Descurainia genus — compare its care with other Descurainia species on PlantoScan.
Descurainia is part of the Brassicaceae plant family — browse all Brassicaceae genera and species.
California Tansymustard thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Descurainia californica O.E.Schulz, family Brassicaceae (first published in Pflanzenr. , IV, 105(86): 330 (1924)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list California Tansymustard, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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