Origin and Common Names
Eriogonum chrysocephalum Gray ssp. cusickii (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes, commonly known as Cusick's Buckwheat or Cusick's Sulphur Flower, is a native western North American plant species. It is found in the Great Basin region of the United States and throughout the western mountain ranges of North America. The plant's common name honors the naturalist, writer, and collector John Cusick who discovered the plant in eastern Oregon in 1883.
General Appearance
Eriogonum chrysocephalum Gray ssp. cusickii is a shrub or small perennial herb that typically grows up to 60 cm tall and 90 cm wide. The plant has stems that are covered with silvery-grey leaves that are densely covered with fine, silky hairs. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and are long and narrow, usually measuring 3-7 cm in length. The plant flowers from July to September and produces clusters of small, yellow flowers that are surrounded by bright yellow to chartreuse bracts. The plant's blooms have a sweet, honey-like fragrance.
Uses
Eriogonum chrysocephalum Gray ssp. cusickii is an important plant in the ecology of the Great Basin region as it supports a diverse array of native pollinators, including bees and butterflies. The plant is also used in traditional Native American medicine to treat various ailments, including dysentery and skin infections. The plant's attractive appearance and drought tolerance make it a popular choice for xeriscape and low-water gardening.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum chrysocephalum Gray ssp. cusickii requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. The plant cannot thrive in areas that experience shade, thus, it is advisable to plant it in locations that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species is native to North America and can thrive in a wide range of temperatures. It is highly tolerant of both hot and cold weather conditions, ranging from 20°F to 100°F. However, it is important to note that while the plant can withstand extreme temperatures, it may not survive in areas with consistent freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum chrysocephalum Gray ssp. cusickii thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil must also have a neutral to slightly acidic pH level ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can grow in a wide range of soil textures, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it is important to ensure good drainage as the plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils. It is advisable to amend the soil with organic matter such as compost before planting to provide the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods:
Eriogonum chrysocephalum Gray ssp. cusickii (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes, commonly known as Cusick's buckwheat, is a hardy perennial plant that is adaptable to many types of soil, including clay, sand, and gravel. When choosing a site for planting, make sure it receives full sun and provides good drainage. It is also important to keep in mind that this plant is best suited for regions that experience hot and dry summers.
You can propagate Cusick's buckwheat from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in the fall, and cuttings should be taken in the spring. It is recommended to plant Cusick's buckwheat in late fall or early spring, as this is the ideal time for root development and establishment.
Watering Needs:
One of the most important things to keep in mind when caring for Cusick's buckwheat is that it is drought-tolerant. While it is important to provide regular watering during the establishment period, once the plant is established it can survive with very little water. However, it is recommended to water this plant periodically during the hot and dry months of the year to ensure that it remains healthy.
Fertilization:
Cusick's buckwheat does not require heavy fertilization. However, you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the early spring, just as new growth begins, to promote overall health and growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth, and reduce flower production.
Pruning:
Cusick's buckwheat does not require much pruning. However, if you find that the plant has become too large or has developed an unappealing shape, you can prune it back in the early spring before new growth begins. It is important to avoid pruning the plant in late summer or fall, as this can lead to reduced flower production. Additionally, deadheading spent blooms throughout the growing season can promote additional flower production.
Propagation Methods for Eriogonum chrysocephalum Gray ssp. cusickii (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes
Eriogonum chrysocephalum Gray ssp. cusickii (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes can be propagated through both seeds and vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
The easiest method of propagation for Eriogonum chrysocephalum Gray ssp. cusickii (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes is through seeds. The best time to sow the seeds is in early spring or fall, when the temperatures are mild. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil, keeping them 1/16 inch deep in the soil. Once sowed, the soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 10-14 days.
It is important to remember that the seeds of Eriogonum chrysocephalum Gray ssp. cusickii (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes have an extremely low viability and freshness is key in achieving germination success. Seeds should be sown as soon as possible after harvesting.
Vegetative Propagation
Eriogonum chrysocephalum Gray ssp. cusickii (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes can also be propagated through vegetative methods. This involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them in the soil. The best time to take cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be taken from new, soft growth and should be around 3-5 inches long.
The cuttings should be planted in a mixture of sand and peat moss, being inserted into the soil to a depth of 1 inch. Once planted, the cuttings should be kept moist and covered with plastic to maintain high humidity. After around 4-6 weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and can be transplanted to their final location.
Disease Management
Eriogonum chrysocephalum Gray ssp. cusickii (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes is a hardy and disease-resistant plant, but it can still be susceptible to certain diseases depending on the growing conditions and other factors.
One of the common diseases that affect this plant is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a powdery white or gray coating on the leaves. To manage the disease, you can use fungicides, prune affected leaves, and increase air circulation around the plant.
Another disease that can affect Eriogonum chrysocephalum Gray ssp. cusickii (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes is root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots, causing them to turn brown and die. To manage the disease, you can improve the soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and use fungicides if necessary.
Pest Management
Eriogonum chrysocephalum Gray ssp. cusickii (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes is also relatively resistant to pests, but there are still a few pests that can cause problems.
One of the common pests that affect this plant is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and wilt. To manage the pest, you can use insecticidal soap, prune affected leaves, and increase humidity around the plant.
Another pest that can afflict Eriogonum chrysocephalum Gray ssp. cusickii (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes is the aphid. Aphids are small insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to curl and distort. To manage the pest, you can use insecticidal soap, prune affected leaves, and introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
In conclusion, while Eriogonum chrysocephalum Gray ssp. cusickii (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes is a hardy and healthy plant, it is still important to be aware of the potential diseases and pests that can affect it. By following proper management techniques and taking early action if necessary, you can ensure that your plant remains healthy and productive for years to come.
