Origin
Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. cottamii (S. Stokes) Reveal, commonly known as Cottam's buckwheat, is a subspecies of the Eriogonum brevicaule, a flowering plant in the family Polygonaceae. It is endemic to the United States and can be found in the southwestern part of Utah.
Common Names
The plant is most commonly referred to as Cottam's buckwheat. Other common names it goes by include Shortstem Buckwheat, Cushion Buckwheat, and Pioneer Buckwheat.
Uses
The Cottam's buckwheat is a vital species in the ecosystem as it is a source of food for pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Additionally, its roots trap and hold the soil, making it useful in soil conservation, particularly in areas affected by erosion. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to cure gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea.
General Appearance
The Cottam's buckwheat is a small, perennial herb that grows up to six inches in height. The plant has woolly leaves and a cushion-like appearance. Its flowers are small and white and are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem. The plant blooms from July to August each year.
Growth Conditions for Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. cottamii (S. Stokes) Reveal
Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. cottamii (S. Stokes) Reveal, commonly known as Cottam's buckwheat, is a native perennial plant species that is adapted to growing in arid regions, typically found in deserts and sagebrush steppe ecosystems. The plant has a low and compact growth habit, reaching a maximum height of 30 cm (12 inches) and a spread of 50 cm (20 inches).
Light Conditions
Cottam's buckwheat grows best in full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It is well adapted to the hot and dry conditions found in arid regions and can tolerate intense solar radiation and high temperatures.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adapted to a wide range of temperature conditions, with a minimum temperature of -29 to -23°C (-20 to -10°F) and a maximum temperature of 40 to 49°C (104 to 120°F). It can grow in areas with a low annual precipitation ranging from 10-25 cm (4-10 inches), and it is known to tolerate some frost during its growing season.
Soil Requirements
Cottam's buckwheat grows best in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 8.0. It can tolerate a variety of soil textures, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but requires good drainage to prevent root rot. It can also grow in soils with low levels of organic matter and nutrients, but will benefit from occasional fertilization.
In summary, Cottam's buckwheat is a hardy and adaptive plant that thrives in hot and dry conditions with good drainage. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily and can grow in a range of soil textures but prefers a neutral to alkaline pH with occasional fertilization.
Cultivation methods
Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. cottamii (S. Stokes) Reveal, commonly known as Cottam's buckwheat, is a shrubby perennial plant native to western U.S. It grows well in hardiness zones 5 to 8. To cultivate this plant:1. Choose a well-draining site with full sun exposure.
2. Prepare the soil by removing weeds, rocks, and debris. Dig up the soil to a depth of 12 inches, and add organic compost if necessary.
3. Space the plants apart according to their mature size, typically 2 to 3 feet.
4. Plant the Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. cottamii (S. Stokes) Reveal in spring or autumn.
Watering needs
This shrub requires regular watering during its first year of growth. Once established, Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. cottamii (S. Stokes) Reveal is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. However, the plant still needs occasional deep watering when the topsoil is dry. Water the plants thoroughly, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.Fertilization
Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. cottamii (S. Stokes) Reveal grows well in nutrient-poor soil and does not require heavy fertilization. However, a light application of compost or a slow-release fertilizer once per year can improve the shrub's overall health and promote blooming.Pruning
Prune Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. cottamii (S. Stokes) Reveal only when necessary to shape the plant or to remove dead or damaged branches. Prune the shrub in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant's height in a single season. The plant also benefits from deadheading, which involves removing spent blooms to promote continuous blooming.Propagation of Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. cottamii (S. Stokes) Reveal
Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. cottamii (S. Stokes) Reveal can be propagated using both seeds and vegetative cuttings. The plant typically grows in well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils in deserts and semi-deserts and can survive in drought conditions.
Propagation by seeds
The first step in seed propagation is to collect mature seeds from the plant during late summer and early fall. Once the seeds are collected, the outer casing must be removed by rubbing the seeds lightly. The seeds can then be sown in well-drained soil mixed with sand or vermiculite. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil, and the soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate. It typically takes two to three weeks for the seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings reach a height of 4-6 inches, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Propagation by vegetative cuttings
Vegetative cuttings can be taken from Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. cottamii (S. Stokes) Reveal during the growing season, typically in late spring to early summer. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be approximately 4-6 inches long. The base of each cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone, and the cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil mixed with sand. The cuttings can be placed in a greenhouse or under shade until new growth appears. It typically takes a few weeks for the cuttings to root. Once new growth appears, the cuttings can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Disease management:
Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. cottamii (S. Stokes) Reveal is relatively resistant to most plant diseases. However, the plant may suffer from root rot caused by Phytophthora fungi in overly wet soil conditions. To avoid this, it is important to plant the species in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. In case of infection, the affected plant should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease to other plants.
Pest management:
Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. cottamii (S. Stokes) Reveal is generally resistant to most common pests. However, spider mites and aphids may attack the plant, especially during hot and dry weather conditions. Spider mites and aphids can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and distortion of the plant. To control these pests, gardeners can spray the affected plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge the pests. Alternatively, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be applied to the plant to control the pests. It is recommended to avoid using chemical insecticides as they may harm beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs, which play an important role in pollination and pest control.
