Origin
Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. canum (S. Stokes) Dorn, commonly known as cushion wild buckwheat or shortstem buckwheat, is a plant species that belongs to the buckwheat family - Polygonaceae. Its origin can be traced to western North America, where it is found in states such as California, Nevada, and Oregon.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as cushion wild buckwheat or shortstem buckwheat due to its short stems and cushion-like appearance. Additionally, it is known as shadow buckwheat due to its ability to grow in shady areas.
Uses
The plant has several uses in traditional medicine. Native Americans used it to make tea that treated coughs, colds, and sore throats. The plant has also been used to treat arthritis and other inflammatory diseases due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, the plant is used in the restoration of rangelands, where it has been shown to increase soil stability and promote the growth of other grasses and plants.
General Appearance
The Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. canum (S. Stokes) Dorn plant is a low-growing perennial that reaches a height of about 10cm. It has short stems and a cushion-like appearance which helps to protect it from cold temperatures. The plant has silver-grey leaves that are covered with fine hairs, giving it a woolly texture. Its flowers are small, ranging from pink to white, and grow in clusters at the tips of the stems from June to September. The plant is generally resistant to pests and drought, making it an ideal addition to gardens in arid regions.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. canum (S. Stokes) Dorn grows best in full sunlight. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant has adapted to grow in areas with intense sunlight and high UV radiation. It is not recommended to grow Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. canum (S. Stokes) Dorn in shaded areas as it can negatively affect its growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures and can survive in regions with high summer temperatures. The optimal temperature range for Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. canum (S. Stokes) Dorn is between 15°C to 35°C. The plant can tolerate a minimum temperature of -10°C during winter. It is essential to avoid frosty conditions, which can be detrimental to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. canum (S. Stokes) Dorn can grow well in different types of soil. However, it prefers well-draining soils that are slightly alkaline with a pH range of 7.0-8.5. The plant can tolerate poor soil nutrients and dry environments. It is important to avoid waterlogging or soils with poor drainage as it can cause root rot, which may kill the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. canum (S. Stokes) Dorn, commonly known as the Cushion Wild Buckwheat, can be grown in various soil types, as long as there is sufficient drainage. This plant prefers dry and rocky conditions with lots of sunlight. It is ideal to plant it in a rock garden, raised bed, or in a container to ensure good drainage. Cushion Wild Buckwheat is best grown from seeds, which can be directly sown into the ground once the soil has warmed up in the late spring.
Watering Needs
Cushion Wild Buckwheat requires little watering once established. During the first year of growth, this plant may need occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. However, overwatering this plant can lead to root rot and other diseases. It is important to monitor the soil moisture closely and water only when necessary.
Fertilization
Cushion Wild Buckwheat grows naturally in nutrient-poor soil, and therefore does not require fertilization. Fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering. If the soil quality is extremely poor, a light application of a balanced, organic fertilizer can be added during planting, but only in small quantities.
Pruning
Cushion Wild Buckwheat requires very little pruning. To maintain its shape and size, it is only necessary to remove the dead flowers and thin out the plant occasionally. The best time to do this is in early spring, just before new growth begins.
Propagation of Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. canum (S. Stokes) Dorn
Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. canum (S. Stokes) Dorn, commonly known as the cushion wild buckwheat, is a low-growing perennial plant that is endemic to western North America. The plant is known for its gray-green foliage, tiny white to pinkish flowers, and its ability to thrive in harsh environments. Propagation of the Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. canum (S. Stokes) Dorn can be achieved through various methods.
Propagation by Seed
The easiest way to propagate Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. canum (S. Stokes) Dorn is through seed. The plant usually sets seed in mid to late summer, which can be collected and sown immediately or stored for future use. The seed has a hard outer coat and benefits from scarification to increase germination rates. Scarification can be achieved by either mechanical or chemical methods. Once the seed is scarified, it can be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept consistently moist.
Propagation by Cuttings
Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. canum (S. Stokes) Dorn can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Softwood cuttings taken in late spring or summer have the best chances of rooting. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants, and should be about 2-3 inches long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings can then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept consistently moist. It may take several months for the cuttings to root and establish.
Disease Management
Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. canum generally has good disease resistance. However, it can still be affected by certain diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. It occurs in humid conditions and can be prevented by ensuring that the plant has proper air circulation and by not overwatering it. If powdery mildew appears, affected leaves can be removed and a fungicide can be applied to prevent further spread.
Root Rot
Root rot is a soil-borne disease that causes the roots of the plant to decay. This disease can be caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. To prevent root rot, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining, and that the plant is not overwatered. If root rot occurs, the affected plant should be removed and the soil should be treated with a fungicide before planting a new plant in the same location.
Pest Management
Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. canum can also be affected by certain pests, including aphids, spider mites, and leaf miners.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, which can cause stunted growth and curled and distorted leaves. They can be controlled by removing them with a strong stream of water or by applying insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and stippling of leaves, as well as webbing. They can be controlled by regularly misting the plant to increase humidity, or by using a miticide.
Leaf Miners
Leaf miners are larvae of insects that tunnel through leaves, leaving visible trails. They can be controlled by removing infested leaves and discarding them, or by using an insecticide.
