Description of Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr.
Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr. is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Polygonaceae. This plant is native to North America and can be found in various regions, including the western United States and northern Mexico.
Common Names
The common names of Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr. include Winged Buckwheat, Shadscale, and Winged Erigonum.
General Appearance
The plant can grow to heights of 3-8 inches and spans 6-12 inches wide. The plant has slender, wiry stems that are often red or purple in color. Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr. has leaves that are long, narrow and oblong-shaped, measuring 1-2 inches in length. The plant's leaves are typically gray-green to light green in color and have a thick texture. The Winged Buckwheat plant produces tiny, yellow-green flowers that grow in dense clusters atop the smooth, winged stems.
Uses and Benefits
Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr. is a plant used in traditional medicine. Native Americans use the plant as a medicinal herb to ease digestive problems, as a sedative, and as a dressing for wounds. The plant's seeds are also edible and can be used in baking or as a substitute for flour.
Additionally, Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr. is used in landscaping due to its hardiness, low maintenance needs, and its unique appearance. This plant is often used in xeriscaping, rock gardens, and as a groundcover.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr. is a sun-loving plant and thrives in areas with full sun exposure. It requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily to grow properly. If the plant receives less than six hours of sunlight, it may become leggy and unable to produce flowers and fruits.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to the warmer regions of North America and requires a warm and dry climate to grow properly. The preferred temperature for Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr. is between 60°F to 85°F (15°C to 29°C). The plant can handle some frost but may not survive prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr. grows best in well-drained soil that is moderately fertile with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. The soil should also be porous to improve aeration and drainage. If the soil is heavy, it may cause waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. The plant can tolerate different soil types, including clay, sandy loam, and gravelly soils.
Cultivation
Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr. is a hardy perennial plant that requires full sun and well-drained soil conditions. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in poor soil conditions, making it ideal for xeriscaping gardens.
The preferred USDA hardiness zones for this plant are 5 to 9, and it can grow up to 2-3 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. This plant develops a deep taproot, so ensure that the soil is deep and adequately drained.
Watering
Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr. is a drought-tolerant plant, but it requires regular irrigation during the first year of planting to establish its root system. Once established, this plant does not require regular watering, so it is best to water only during prolonged droughts.
When watering, ensure that the soil is dry before watering again to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other problems.
Fertilization
Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr. prefers nutrient-poor soils, so it does not require regular fertilization. However, to encourage healthy growth, you can apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, especially if your soil is poor or if the plant is not growing as expected.
Apply the fertilizer sparingly to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flower production.
Pruning
Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr. does not require regular pruning, but you can prune it in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches. You can also trim back the foliage after the plant has bloomed to encourage denser growth.
When pruning, ensure that you use clean and sharp pruning tools to prevent damage to the plant. Additionally, avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant at a time to prevent damage to the plant and encourage quick regrowth.
Propagation of Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr.
Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr., commonly known as Winged Buckwheat, is an attractive perennial plant that is found in Western North America. Propagation of this plant can be done through various means which are described below:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr. through seed is relatively simple and effective. Collect the ripe seeds in early autumn when the flower heads are dry and brown. Store these seeds in a cool and dry place until spring when they can be sown directly into the garden soil. It is recommended to plant the seeds at a depth of 1/8 inch and keep them moist until they germinate which usually takes 10 to 14 days.
Division
Division is another method to propagate Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr. Spring and fall are the best time to divide this plant. Using a sharp and sterile knife, divide the plant into smaller sections with each section comprising roots, shoots, and leaves. Plant these divisions into well-prepared soil and keep them moist until established.
Cuttings
Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr. can also be propagated through cuttings taken in early summer. Using a sharp and sterile knife, cut the stem tips and remove the leaves from the lower two-thirds of the cutting. Dip the lower end of the cutting in rooting hormone before planting in a container filled with moist sand or peat moss. Place the container in a shaded and protected area, and keep the cuttings well-watered until they establish roots (usually taking about 4-6 weeks).
Disease and Pest Management for Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr.
Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr. is a tough and hardy plant that tolerates dry and rocky conditions. However, it is still susceptible to some diseases and pests that can affect its growth and overall health.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr. is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as white powder-like spots on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing it to weaken and die over time. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. If necessary, fungicidal sprays may also be used.
Another disease that may affect Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr. is root rot, which is caused by fungal pathogens that thrive in wet and poorly-drained soils. To prevent root rot, it is important to plant the Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr. in well-draining soils and avoid overwatering the plant. If root rot has already affected the plant, it may be necessary to uproot it and replant it in a different location.
Common Pests
Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr. may also be susceptible to some pests that can damage its leaves and stems. One common pest is the spider mite, which feeds on the plant's sap and causes it to wilt and yellow. To manage spider mites, it is important to regularly spray the plant with water and use insecticidal soap or oil if necessary.
The plant may also be affected by aphids, which appear as small green or black insects that suck on the plant's sap and cause its leaves to curl and deform. To manage aphids, it is important to remove infected leaves and use insecticidal soap or oil to control their population.
Overall, Eriogonum alatum Torr. var. glabriusculum Torr. is a hardy plant that can withstand many environmental stressors. However, it is important to be vigilant in identifying and managing diseases and pests that may impact its growth and health.
