Origin
Eriogonum capistratum Reveal var. welshii Reveal, commonly known as Capitan Mountain buckwheat, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Polygonaceae family. The plant is native to North America and can be found in the Capitan Mountains in Lincoln County, New Mexico, USA.
Common Names
Eriogonum capistratum Reveal var. welshii Reveal is commonly known as Capitan Mountain buckwheat due to its association with the Capitan Mountains in New Mexico.
Uses
The Capitan Mountain buckwheat has various uses depending on the Native American communities inhabiting the areas where it grows. Some Native Americans used the plant as a medicinal herb, while others used it as a source of dye.
The plant also plays a significant role in the ecosystem as it serves as a food source for various animals, including butterflies, bees, and birds.
General Appearance
Eriogonum capistratum Reveal var. welshii Reveal is a small, perennial plant that typically grows up to 10-20 cm tall. The plant has a woody base and produces numerous stems that shoot up from its base.
The leaves of Capitan Mountain buckwheat are narrow and lance-shaped, and they are covered in a dense layer of fine hairs. The plant's flowers are small and are clustered together in tight, globe-shaped clusters. The flowers are typically pinkish-white in color and bloom from June to August.
In its natural habitat, the Capitan Mountain buckwheat grows in rocky and gravelly soil and can tolerate extremely hot and dry conditions.
Growth Conditions of Eriogonum capistratum Reveal var. welshii Reveal
Eriogonum capistratum Reveal var. welshii Reveal is native to the high deserts and plains of the western United States, including Arizona and New Mexico. It belongs to the family Polygonaceae and is a herbaceous, perennial plant that forms mats of foliage covered with small pink flowers during the blooming season.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum capistratum Reveal var. welshii Reveal thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers locations that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. In areas with hotter climates, it might benefit from partial shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent leaf burning.
Temperature Requirements
Eriogonum capistratum Reveal var. welshii Reveal grows best in regions with a moderate climate and consistent temperatures. It can tolerate high temperatures and even short periods of drought, but it cannot survive in frost and extreme cold. The ideal temperatures for its growth range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in various types of soil as long as it is well-drained. It can thrive in sandy, rocky, or loamy soils. Eriogonum capistratum Reveal var. welshii Reveal can tolerate soils with low fertility levels, but it prefers soils with a neutral pH between 6.5 and 7.5. The plant does not tolerate saline soils, and it is sensitive to excessive moisture, which causes root rot.
Cultivation
Eriogonum capistratum var. welshii grows well in dry, well-drained soils exposed to full or partial sunlight. The pH of the soil should be between 5.5 and 7.5. It's a low-maintenance plant that does not require frequent watering or fertilization.
Watering Needs
During the first year of growth, Eriogonum capistratum var. welshii needs moderate watering to establish its root system. After that, the plant should be watered occasionally, typically once a month during the growing season. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Eriogonum capistratum var. welshii doesn't need frequent fertilization. In fact, excessive fertilization may cause the plant to produce abundant foliage and fewer flowers. It's best to apply a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer once a year in early spring to help the plant produce healthy foliage and flowers.
Pruning
Eriogonum capistratum var. welshii needs little to no pruning. However, if pruning is necessary to remove dead or diseased stems, you should do it in late winter or early spring before the growing season. When removing dead stems, cut them back to the base of the plant without leaving stumps, as stumps can attract pests and diseases. Avoid over-pruning as it may reduce the plant's ability to produce flowers.
Propagation of Eriogonum Capistratum Reveal var. Welshii Reveal
Eriogonum Capistratum Reveal var. Welshii Reveal is a native plant found in the state of California, USA. It is commonly known as Capistrano Buckwheat and is a perennial shrub. The plant has grayish leaves and grows up to two feet tall. The plant blooms from May to August and produces pinkish-white flowers.
The following are the propagation methods for Eriogonum Capistratum Reveal var. Welshii Reveal:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the best way to propagate Eriogonum Capistratum Reveal var. Welshii Reveal. The plant produces seeds in abundance, and they are easy to collect. The seeds start to germinate in autumn or early spring when the temperature is less than 20°C. Before sowing, soak the seeds in water for a day or two and then sow them in a well-drained soil mix. Keep the soil moist, and the seeds will germinate in two to three weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation is also possible, but it is not the most reliable method. Take cuttings of about four inches of the plant's new growth in late spring or early summer. Dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a soil mix containing perlite, peat moss, and sand. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a bright location. The cutting should establish root in about six to eight weeks.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is also possible, but it requires a mature plant. Dig up the plant in the fall or spring when it is dormant. Gently divide the roots into several sections, ensuring that each section has a healthy root system. Plant each section into separate pots and keep them in a well-drained soil mix. Water the plants regularly, and they will establish in a few weeks.
By using one or more of the propagation methods mentioned above, you can successfully propagate Eriogonum Capistratum Reveal var. Welshii Reveal for your garden.
Disease Management
Eriogonum capistratum Reveal var. welshii Reveal is a hardy plant that is relatively resilient to diseases, however, it can still be affected by some common plant diseases such as:
- Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that thrives in wet and soggy soil conditions, leading to root damage and eventual death of the plant.
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes circular spots on the plant's leaves, which turn yellow and eventually fall off, causing defoliation.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease forms a powdery white substance on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing them to become weakened, distorted, and eventually fall off.
To manage these diseases, it is important to promote good plant hygiene by removing any infected plants or plant parts and disposing of them properly. Additionally, ensure the plant is appropriately watered, avoiding overwatering, and allow for proper air circulation and sunlight exposure. Fungicides may also be used to manage these diseases.
Pest Management
Eriogonum capistratum Reveal var. welshii Reveal can also be affected by various pests that can cause significant damage if left unchecked. These pests may include:
- Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to become yellow, wilt, and eventually die. They also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts ants and can cause fungal diseases.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests feed on the plant's sap, causing leaves to become stippled, discolored, and ultimately fall off. They also produce webbing, which can cover the plant.
- Caterpillars: Various species of caterpillars feed on the plant's leaves, causing irregular holes and overall defoliation.
To manage these pests, regular monitoring of the plant is necessary. Infested plants should be isolated and treated with natural or chemical insecticides, used according to manufacturers' recommendations. Beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings can also be introduced to control pest populations. Furthermore, maintaining cleanliness around the plant such as removing buildup of debris can reduce pest habitat and breeding areas.
