Overview
Eriogonum angulosum Benth. ssp. viridescens (Heller) S. Stokes is a plant native to California in the United States that belongs to the buckwheat family, Polygonaceae. This subspecies of Eriogonum angulosum is also known by the common names of Anglestem Buckwheat and Green-stemmed Buckwheat.
Appearance
The Anglestem Buckwheat is a perennial shrub that typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet and spreads to 3-4 feet. The plant's leaves are greenish-gray, narrow, and range from 1-2 inches long. The flowers are small and white or pink, forming in clusters on the plant's branching stems. As the plant matures, the stems become woody and angled, hence the common name Anglestem Buckwheat.
Uses
The Anglestem Buckwheat is known for its drought-tolerant and low-water usage qualities, making it an ideal plant for xeriscaping. The plant provides excellent erosion control due to its extensive root system and ability to propagate through underground rhizomes. Native bees and butterflies also rely on the plant for food and nesting sites, making it an essential component of the region's ecological system.
In addition to its ecological significance, the Anglestem Buckwheat has also been used for various medicinal purposes. Native American tribes would use the plant's roots to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. The leaves were also used to create a tea that could help treat illnesses such as colds and infections.
Growth Conditions for Eriogonum angulosum Benth. ssp. viridescens
Light: Eriogonum angulosum Benth. ssp. viridescens grows best in full sun to partial shade, making it an ideal plant for open meadows and forest clearings. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.
Temperature: This plant is native to California and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows best in areas with a Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The ideal temperature for E. angulosum Benth. ssp. viridescens is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil: This plant is adaptable to a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils that are neutral to slightly alkaline. It can tolerate poor soil conditions and does well in rocky or sandy soils. However, it does not thrive in heavy clay soils or overly wet areas.
Cultivation methods
Eriogonum angulosum Benth. ssp. viridescens (Heller) S. Stokes is a drought-tolerant plant that grows well in a wide range of soil types. It prefers a well-drained, gravelly or sandy soil, but the plant can also adapt to heavy soils and alkaline conditions. The plant thrives in full sunlight and can tolerate high heat and cold temperatures. It is generally grown outdoors and can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
Watering needs
This plant is adapted to harsh growing conditions and is drought-tolerant once established. During the first year of growth, however, it requires regular watering to establish deep roots. Watering should be reduced gradually until the plant is fully acclimated. It is important to avoid over-watering as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Eriogonum angulosum Benth. ssp. viridescens (Heller) S. Stokes does not require regular fertilization, and too much fertilizer can be harmful to the plant. A small amount of slow-release fertilizer during the growing season can help the plant thrive. Compost can also be used as a natural fertilizer to improve soil fertility.
Pruning
Pruning Eriogonum angulosum Benth. ssp. viridescens (Heller) S. Stokes is not necessary as the plant is naturally well-shaped. However, it might be necessary to trim dead or damaged branches. The recommended time for pruning is in winter when the plant is dormant. It is important to avoid over-pruning to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Eriogonum angulosum Benth. ssp. viridescens (Heller) S. Stokes
Eriogonum angulosum Benth. ssp. viridescens (Heller) S. Stokes can be propagated through various means, including seeds and cuttings. The plant's propagation method is relatively easy and straightforward, and the plant has a high success rate for propagation.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the easiest method of propagating Eriogonum angulosum Benth. ssp. viridescens (Heller) S. Stokes. The plant produces small, black seeds that can be harvested in late summer or early fall. Seeds should be collected using a small envelope or container to prevent damage and stored in a cool, dry place for later use. Seeds can also be directly sown in spring or fall, but stratification may be necessary to improve germination rates.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is also a viable option for Eriogonum angulosum Benth. ssp. viridescens (Heller) S. Stokes. Softwood cuttings should be taken in early summer, while semi-hardwood cuttings should be taken in late summer or early fall. Cuttings should be taken from disease-free and healthy parent plants and should be about 4-6 inches in length. Removing the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the cutting and making a clean cut just below a node will improve rooting success. Cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, humid environment until they develop roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriogonum angulosum Benth. ssp. viridescens
Eriogonum angulosum Benth. ssp. viridescens, commonly known as Anglestem Buckwheat, is a beautiful and hardy plant popular among gardeners. Despite its hardiness, it can still be susceptible to a few diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect the Eriogonum angulosum Benth. ssp. viridescens is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is caused by a fungal infection that leads to a whitish-grayish powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it's important to remove any affected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly to prevent the spread of the fungus. You can also use a fungicide to protect the plant from further damage.
Another disease that affects Eriogonum angulosum Benth. ssp. viridescens is root rot. Root rot is caused by fungi that thrive in poorly drained soil, leading to the decay of the plant's roots. To manage root rot, it's crucial to ensure the plant is growing in well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering the plant and consider applying a fungicide to protect the plant from further damage.
Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect the Eriogonum angulosum Benth. ssp. viridescens is aphids. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap out of the plant, leading to stunted growth and curled leaves. To manage aphids, you can introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that feed on aphids. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant to control aphids.
Another pest that can affect Eriogonum angulosum Benth. ssp. viridescens is spider mites. Spider mites are small, nearly invisible pests that feed on the plant's sap, leading to yellowed leaves and reduced vigor. To manage spider mites, you can use a forceful spray of water to dislodge them from the plant. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites.
By following these disease and pest management tips, you can help keep your Eriogonum angulosum Benth. ssp. viridescens healthy and thriving. Regular maintenance and care will help protect the plant from these common problems.
