Origin of Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. ephedroides (Reveal) Welsh
Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. ephedroides (Reveal) Welsh, commonly known as the short-stemmed buckwheat or Mat Antelope Buckwheat, is a plant native to western North America. It can be found in Nevada, Arizona, California, and Utah, growing in sandy or rocky soils of desert habitats, usually below 5000 feet (1524 meters).
Common Names of Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. ephedroides (Reveal) Welsh
Aside from the short-stemmed buckwheat and mat antelope buckwheat, Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. ephedroides also goes by the common names of short-stem buckwheat and Ephedra buckwheat.
Uses of Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. ephedroides (Reveal) Welsh
Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. ephedroides is utilized by native tribes in North America, specifically for medicinal practices. The Paiutes and other Native Americans use the plant in poultices, or as a bath during childbirth due to its antiseptic qualities. Additionally, this plant is also important in maintaining the biodiversity of desert ecosystems by providing habitat and food for various insects, birds, and small mammals.
General Appearance of Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. ephedroides (Reveal) Welsh
Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. ephedroides is a small, perennial herb with a woody base, and it grows up to 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall. Its leaves are oblong to linear, measuring 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) long and 0.06-0.12 inch (1.5-3 mm) wide, with the edges rolled under to prevent water loss. Its flowers are small and white, clustered in inflorescences that can measure up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The plant has a short, stubby stem and its roots can extend up to 30 feet (9 m) into the soil to obtain moisture during drought periods.
Growth Conditions for Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. ephedroides (Reveal) Welsh
Light: Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. ephedroides requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but insufficient sunlight may affect overall growth and flowering.
Temperature: This plant is native to the western regions of North America, where it typically grows in high elevation regions with a cold desert climate. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8 (-30°F to 20°F or -34°C to -7°C). However, it prefers cooler temperatures and may struggle in regions with extreme heat or high humidity.
Soil: Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. ephedroides is adaptable to a variety of soils but prefers well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil with low to moderate fertility. It can also tolerate slightly alkaline or acidic soil, but it does not thrive in heavy clay soils. It is important to avoid planting this species in wet soils that may cause root rot, as it prefers dry soil conditions.
Cultivation methods
Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. ephedroides (Reveal) Welsh thrives in dry and rocky soils. As such, it should be planted in well-draining soil and in a location that receives plenty of sunlight. Planting should be done in the spring, after the last frost. The plant should be spaced at least 2 feet apart to allow for adequate growth and spread.
Watering needs
Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. ephedroides (Reveal) Welsh is a drought-tolerant plant and does not require frequent watering. Newly planted specimens require additional watering until their roots establish adequately. Watering should occur at the base of the plant and not on the foliage. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot and, as such, should be avoided.
Fertilization
Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. ephedroides (Reveal) Welsh is a plant that prefers nutrient-poor soils and does not require regular fertilization. However, fertilization can aid in growth and flowering if done sparingly, and using a low-nitrogen fertilizer. Fertilization should be done during the spring, before the flowering season begins.
Pruning
The pruning of Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. ephedroides (Reveal) Welsh should be kept to a minimum. Deadheading of the flowers during the flowering season helps in prolonging the blooming period. If required, pruning should be done during the fall, after the flowering season, to encourage new growth in the following spring. Pruning should not remove more than a third of the plant to avoid stressing the plant excessively.
Propagation of Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. ephedroides (Reveal) Welsh
Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. ephedroides (Reveal) Welsh, commonly known as the Dwarf Cushion Buckwheat, is a low-growing plant species that belong to the Polygonaceae family. It is native to western North America and is primarily found in the high deserts, subalpine, and alpine zones.
Propagation of Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. ephedroides is typically done from seed, as it is the most successful way to grow this plant. It can be propagated from both fresh and stored seed. Fresh seeds should be sown in the fall, while stored seeds can be sown in the spring. The seeds must be stratified for three months prior to planting to break their hard outer shell and promote germination.
Propagation can also be done through division. However, this method is not typically recommended for this plant because it has a deep taproot that makes division difficult. If an individual wants to propagate through division, it should be done in the early spring.
A clone-raising technique using stem cuttings has also been attempted, but the success rate is low. In addition to the challenges presented by the deep taproot, this species tends to put most of its resources into producing a single long taproot, rather than producing many smaller lateral roots, which would be more amenable to cutting propagation.
Disease Management
Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. ephedroides (Reveal) Welsh is prone to a few diseases that can affect its growth and health. The most common diseases that attack this plant are root rot, powdery mildew, and rust.
Root Rot: This is a common disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing rotting and decay. The infected plant may develop yellow or brown leaves, wilt, and eventually die. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure proper drainage. If the plant is already infected, consider using a fungicide to manage the disease.
Powdery Mildew: This disease attacks the leaves, stems, and flowers, causing a powdery white or gray coating on the infected parts. It can lead to stunted growth, reduced flowering, and decreased yield. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected plant parts and dispose of them properly. Also, ensure the plant has enough space for air circulation and avoid crowding.
Rust: This disease affects the leaves, causing small yellow to orange spots that eventually turn reddish-brown. The infected leaves may fall off, leading to defoliation. To manage rust, avoid overcrowding the plant, remove infected leaves, and consider using a fungicide.
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, Eriogonum brevicaule Nutt. var. ephedroides (Reveal) Welsh may also be attacked by pests. The most common pests that attack this plant are aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars.
Aphids: These are small sap-sucking insects that can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and decreased yield. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a jet of water to dislodge them. Alternatively, consider using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites: These pests are tiny and difficult to see with the naked eye. They suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing of leaves and wilting. To manage spider mites, increase humidity around the plant by misting it regularly. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the plant’s leaves. They can cause defoliation and decreased yield. To manage caterpillars, physically remove them from the plant and dispose of them properly. Alternatively, use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or spinosad.
