Origin
Eriogonum breedlovei (J.T. Howell) Reveal var. shevockii J.T. Howell, also known as Shevock's buckwheat, is a plant species that belongs to the family of Polygonaceae and is endemic to California. The plant was first collected by Richard Shevock in 1983 from the vicinity of Mount Sanhedrin in Mendocino County, California.
Common Names
Shevock's buckwheat is the most commonly used name for this plant. The plant is also known by other common names such as Breedlove's buckwheat, Mendocino buckwheat, and Sanhedrin buckwheat.
Uses
Shevock's buckwheat has been used in ecological restoration projects. The plant is suitable for stabilizing soil and revegetating disturbed areas. The plant is also utilized by wildlife, including insects such as butterflies and bees, for shelter and as a source of nectar.
General Appearance
Shevock's buckwheat generally grows up to two feet tall and can be spread up to three feet wide. The plant has gray-green leaves and produces small white or pink flowers that form clusters at the top of its inflorescence. The flower's petals emerge from a calyx tube, and its ovate fruit forms a three-sided nut. The plant has a deep taproot that allows it to tolerate hot and dry conditions.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum breedlovei var. shevockii prefers full sun exposure to partial shade. It can tolerate some shading, but it may inhibit blooming and overall growth. Therefore, it is recommended to grow the plant in open areas with direct sunlight exposure.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to the arid regions of California, where the temperature can range from hot to cool. Eriogonum breedlovei var. shevockii can grow in USDA hardiness zones 8-10, where temperatures can reach up to 100°F during the day and drop to 30°F at night. It can tolerate high heat and drought, but it may not survive in extremely cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum breedlovei var. shevockii prefers well-draining soils with low to moderate fertility. It can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. However, it requires soils with good drainage to prevent waterlogging and root rot. The plant is adapted to grow in nutrient-poor soils, so adding too much fertilizer can harm the plant. The optimal soil pH should be between 6.0 and 8.0.
Cultivation
Eriogonum breedlovei var. shevockii is a native plant to the rocky outcrops of the eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. As such, it is adapted to growing in rocky, well-drained soils that are low in nutrients. When cultivating this plant, it is best to mimic its natural habitat. Ensure that the plant has access to full sun, and plant it in sandy, well-draining soil.
Watering Needs
Eriogonum breedlovei var. shevockii is highly drought-tolerant and can survive extended periods without water. However, it is best to water it occasionally during the summer months to promote blooming. When watering, make sure to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. A good practice is to wait until the soil has dried out before watering again.
Fertilization
Fertilization is generally not necessary for Eriogonum breedlovei var shevockii. Their natural habitat is low in nutrients, and the plant has adapted to grow in these conditions. In fact, applying fertilizers can be detrimental to the plant's health. If necessary, one may use compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, but this should be done sparingly.
Pruning
The best time to prune Eriogonum breedlovei var. shevockii is in late summer or early fall, after the plant has finished blooming. Pruning encourages the plant to grow denser and sturdier, and can also help shape the plant to grow in a particular way. Always use clean, sharp pruning shears, and make sure to disinfect them before and after pruning to avoid spreading disease. When pruning, it is best to only remove up to a third of the plant's total growth to avoid shocking it and potentially killing it.
Propagation of Eriogonum breedlovei (J.T. Howell) Reveal var. shevockii J.T. Howell
Eriogonum breedlovei (J.T. Howell) Reveal var. shevockii J.T. Howell, commonly known as Breedlove's buckwheat, is a rare and endangered plant species native to California. Due to the plant's conservation status, propagation and cultivation are important for its survival. Here are some methods for propagating Eriogonum breedlovei var. shevockii:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a common method for growing Eriogonum breedlovei var. shevockii. The plant produces small, black seeds that can be collected from the parent plant and sown directly into the ground. The seeds need to be stratified (chilled) before planting, to help them germinate. This can happen naturally through cold weather, or the seeds can be chilled in a refrigerator for a few weeks before planting. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil in a sunny location. Water regularly until the seedlings are established.
Division
Eriogonum breedlovei var. shevockii can also be propagated through division. This method involves splitting the parent plant into smaller sections, each with its own root system. To do this, carefully dig up the parent plant and use a clean, sharp knife to divide the root system into smaller pieces. Each piece should have at least one healthy shoot and a portion of the root system. Replant the divided sections in well-draining soil in a sunny location, and water regularly until they are established.
Cuttings
An alternative method for propagating Eriogonum breedlovei var. shevockii is through taking cuttings. This technique involves taking a stem or a portion of stem from the parent plant and rooting it in soil. To do this, take a 2-3 inch cutting from a healthy stem, making sure to include a node (where the leaves connect to the stem). Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage rooting, and plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix. Place the cutting in a bright, yet shaded area, and keep the soil moist until the cutting is established.
Propagation of Eriogonum breedlovei var. shevockii can be rewarding and can help conserve this rare and endangered species. By using these propagation methods, growers can produce new plants for habitat restoration or cultivation in gardens or nurseries.
Disease Management
Eriogonum breedlovei (J.T. Howell) Reveal var. shevockii J.T. Howell is generally a healthy plant species. However, there may be instances where diseases may affect its overall health and vigor. Common diseases affecting this plant include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of Eriogonum breedlovei. It affects the plant by causing distortion, discoloration, and stunted growth. To control powdery mildew, keep the plant free from moisture and provide proper air circulation. Regularly remove infected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide as necessary.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that appears as dark spots on the plant's leaves. As it progresses, the leaves may yellow and fall off, leading to defoliation and reduced vigor. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Disinfect pruning tools with a 10% bleach solution before pruning to prevent the spread of the disease.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the plant's roots, causing them to turn brown or black and appear mushy. The leaves may turn yellow or brown, and the plant may wilt and eventually die. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure that the soil is well-draining. Fungicides can be applied as a preventive measure.
Pest Management
Eriogonum breedlovei (J.T. Howell) Reveal var. shevockii J.T. Howell is generally resistant to pests. However, there may be instances where pests may attack the plant, affecting its overall health and vigor. Common pests that might attack this plant include aphids, spider mites, and thrips.
Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that appear in large colonies on the plant's new growth, leaves, and stems. They suck the sap from the plant, causing distortion and stunted growth. To manage aphids, use a strong jet of water to wash off the insects. Alternatively, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil on the plant as a preventive measure.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that are barely visible to the naked eye. They usually appear on the underside of the plant's leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, use a strong jet of water to wash off the insects. Applying insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help in controlling their population on the plant.
Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the plant's leaves and flowers, causing them to appear discolored and distorted. To manage thrips, remove and destroy affected parts of the plant. Applying insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help in controlling their population on the plant.
Overall, preventing diseases and pests in Eriogonum breedlovei (J.T. Howell) Reveal var. shevockii J.T. Howell largely involves reducing their chances of occurrence. This can be done by maintaining proper drainage, avoiding overhead watering, periodic monitoring, and sanitation.
