Origin and Common Names
Eriogonum compositum Dougl. ex Benth. var. lancifolium St. John & Warren is a plant species of the family Polygonaceae. It is commonly known as Lance-leaf Buckwheat and is native to North America, specifically the western regions of the continent.General Appearance
Lance-leaf Buckwheat is a small, perennial herb that has a compact, rounded form and grows up to 15 inches tall. It has a shallow root system and grows in clumps, forming dense mats of foliage. The lance-shaped leaves of this plant have a gray-green color and are densely arranged on the stems. The leaves and stems are covered in fine hairs, giving them a slightly fuzzy appearance. In the summer, Lance-leaf Buckwheat produces small, creamy-white flowers that appear in clusters on top of the stems. The flowers have a delicate, sweet fragrance and are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.Uses
Lance-leaf Buckwheat is commonly used in landscaping due to its attractive appearance and drought tolerance. It is an excellent plant for use in rock gardens, borders, and as a groundcover. Its dense mat of foliage provides excellent erosion control and makes it an effective plant for use on slopes. Additionally, the flowers of Lance-leaf Buckwheat are remarkable in cut flower arrangements, adding a touch of elegance and uniqueness to floral designs. Lance-leaf Buckwheat is also well known for its medicinal properties and has been used historically by Native American tribes to treat a variety of maladies, including sore throats, coughs, diarrhea, and wounds. The plant contains high levels of tannins which are believed to be effective in treating these ailments. Moreover, the plant's root is used as an astringent and can help with mouth sores and bleeding gums when it is made into a tea or a mouthwash. In conclusion, the Lance-leaf Buckwheat is a versatile, hardy plant that has both ornamental and medicinal uses. With its unique appearance and drought tolerance, it is an excellent addition to any garden or landscape.Light Requirements
Eriogonum compositum Dougl. ex Benth. var. lancifolium St. John & Warren prefers full sun to partial shade for optimum growth. It can tolerate some shade, but it may grow slower and produce fewer flowers in such conditions. When planted in full sun, the plant produces an abundance of flowers and grows more vigorously.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. It grows well in a loamy soil mix and requires adequate drainage to thrive. The roots are susceptible to rotting in soils that hold too much moisture, so it's important to ensure the soil is well-aerated to avoid waterlogging. Add organic matter to soil to improve drainage and fertility.
Temperature Requirements
Eriogonum compositum Dougl. ex Benth. var. lancifolium St. John & Warren is hardy from USDA zones 5-10. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in areas where temperatures don't exceed 85°F during hot summer months. The plant has good heat tolerance, but it grows slowly in hot, dry conditions.
Fertilizer Requirements
The plant doesn't require a lot of fertilizer, so avoid adding too much. A half-strength solution of balanced liquid fertilizer applied in late spring or early summer should be more than enough to support vigorous growth and flowering. Too much fertilizer can result in weak stems and too many leaves with no flowers.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum compositum Dougl. ex Benth. var. lancifolium St. John & Warren is a low-growing, perennial plant that is native to western North America. It is suitable for cultivation in rock gardens, xeriscapes, and wildflower gardens. It prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sand, loam, and clay.
It should be planted in an area that receives full sun to partial shade. It is a hardy plant that is tolerant of drought and frost, making it an ideal choice for areas with harsh growing conditions.
Watering Needs
During the growing season, Eriogonum compositum Dougl. ex Benth. var. lancifolium St. John & Warren requires moderate watering. It is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. A layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help to retain moisture and keep the root system cool.
In areas with extended periods of drought, it may be necessary to water the plant more frequently to keep it from drying out completely.
Fertilization
Eriogonum compositum Dougl. ex Benth. var. lancifolium St. John & Warren does not require frequent fertilization. In fact, excessive fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. It is best to apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring, just as new growth appears.
Alternatively, a top dressing of compost or well-rotted manure can be applied in the fall to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients for the following growing season.
Pruning
Deadheading the spent flowers of Eriogonum compositum Dougl. ex Benth. var. lancifolium St. John & Warren can encourage the plant to produce additional blooms. It is best to do this at the end of the flowering season or as the flowers begin to fade.
Pruning should be done in the spring before new growth appears. It is best to remove any dead or damaged stems and to cut back the plant by one-third to promote dense growth and encourage the formation of new blooms.
Propagation of Eriogonum compositum Dougl. ex Benth. var. lancifolium St. John & Warren
Eriogonum compositum Dougl. ex Benth. var. lancifolium St. John & Warren, commonly known as lanceleaf buckwheat, can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the resources available and the desired outcome.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation through seeds is the most common method for Eriogonum compositum Dougl. ex Benth. var. lancifolium. The seeds should be sowed in autumn or early winter, in well-draining soil that has been tilled and cleared of debris. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of ¼ to ½ inch, and watered well afterwards. Germination occurs in the spring, after the soil has warmed up.
After germination, the seedlings should be thinned out, leaving only the strongest plants. The young plants should be kept consistently moist during their first growing season, and should be protected from strong winds and heavy rain. They can be transplanted into their permanent locations in the fall or early spring of the following year.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is a less common method that requires some expertise. The cuttings should be taken in the summer, from the current season's growth, and should be about 3 inches long. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants, and should be placed in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cuttings should then be planted in well-draining soil, covered with a clear plastic bag to retain moisture, and kept in a warm location with indirect sunlight.
Roots should begin to develop in about 4-6 weeks, at which point the plastic bag can be removed. The young plants should be kept consistently moist for the first growing season, and should be protected from strong winds and heavy rain. They can be transplanted into their permanent locations in the fall or early spring of the following year.
Disease Management
Eriogonum compositum Dougl. ex Benth. var. lancifolium St. John & Warren is susceptible to a few types of diseases, such as powdery mildew and root rot. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that occurs mostly in humid environments, causing a whitish or grayish powder to appear on leaves and plant parts. Root rot is caused by overwatering and poor drainage, resulting in brown, mushy roots and stunted growth.
To manage powdery mildew, remove infected plant parts by pruning. Also, increase air circulation around the plant and avoid wetting the leaves while watering. Apply fungicides as per the manufacturer's instructions if the disease persists.
To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure adequate drainage. Prune any affected roots and limit watering until the soil has dried sufficiently.
Pest Management
Eriogonum compositum Dougl. ex Benth. var. lancifolium St. John & Warren can attract a few pests, such as aphids and spider mites. Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from leaves, leading to yellowing and curling of affected leaves. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on plant sap, causing leaves to appear stippled or discolored.
To manage aphids, use a strong stream of water to rinse them from the plant. You can also wipe or spray leaves with a mixture of water and dish soap or use insecticidal soaps or oils as per the manufacturer's instructions.
To manage spider mites, rinse the plant with a strong stream of water, focusing on the undersides of the leaves. You can also use insecticidal soaps or oils as per the manufacturer's instructions.
