Origin
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. glutinosum (M.E. Jones) M.E. Jones, commonly known as sticky wild buckwheat, is a plant species that is native to several western states in the United States, including California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah.
Common Names
Sticky wild buckwheat, as the name implies, is commonly known as such due to the glandular hairs that make the plant's stem, leaves, and inflorescence sticky to the touch. Other common names include sticky eryngo, sticky wild rhubarb, and the common wild buckwheat.
Uses
Indigenous tribes have used Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. glutinosum for medicinal purposes, including using it to treat diarrhea and as a poultice for wounds. The plant has also been used as a food source, with the roots of some species being roasted for consumption. In modern times, it is mostly cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive white or pink flowers that bloom from July to September, which also provide a valuable source of nectar for bees and other pollinators.
Appearance
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. glutinosum is a perennial plant that grows to a height of 1-3 feet. It has a woody stem that can be up to 2 inches in diameter and produces a sticky, tacky sap. The leaves are alternate, roughly diamond-shaped, and covered with glandular hairs. The inflorescence forms a dense cluster of tightly-compacted flowers that attract a variety of pollinators. The flowers are white or pink and are typically 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. glutinosum (M.E. Jones) M.E. Jones prefers full sun exposure. It thrives best in areas where the plant receives direct unobstructed sunlight for the greater part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. glutinosum (M.E. Jones) M.E. Jones is native to western North America and can survive in a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers a temperate climate. The plant requires a minimum temperature of -26°C (-15°F) to survive winter dormancy and a maximum temperature of 40°C (104°F) during the growing season.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. glutinosum (M.E. Jones) M.E. Jones grows well in well-draining soils. It can tolerate various types of soil, from sandy loam to gravelly soils, but it thrives best in loamy soils. The plant can grow in nutrient-poor soils with a pH range of 4.8 to 8.0. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. glutinosum (M.E. Jones) M.E. Jones, also known as sticky wildbuckwheat, is a wildflower species that is native to the Western United States. It can grow in a range of conditions, from dry and rocky soil to wetter, more fertile soil. If you are looking to cultivate this species, it is important to mimic its natural habitat as closely as possible.
The plant does well in full sun or partial shade, and generally prefers well-draining soil. It is often found growing in sandy or rocky soil, but can also grow in heavier soil types. It is recommended to plant the species in the spring or fall, when temperatures are moderate and there is plenty of moisture in the soil.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. glutinosum (M.E. Jones) M.E. Jones, it is important to strike a balance between providing enough moisture for the plant to thrive, but not over-watering and causing damage to the roots. In general, the plant prefers moderate to low moisture levels, as it is adapted to drier environments.
In the months during and after planting, it is recommended to water the plant regularly, but avoid saturating the soil. Once established, you can cut back on watering, as the plant is able to tolerate longer periods without moisture. During dry spells, you may need to supplement with watering, taking care not to overdo it.
Fertilization
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. glutinosum (M.E. Jones) M.E. Jones does not require frequent fertilization, and may even perform better without it. The plant is well-adapted to its native environment, and too much fertilizer can actually cause harm. If you feel that your soil lacks the necessary nutrients, you can add a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer to the soil before planting.
When using fertilizer, it is important to follow the instructions carefully, and to use a type and amount that is appropriate for your soil type. Too much fertilizer can cause a buildup of salts in the soil, which can damage the roots and inhibit growth.
Pruning
Pruning Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. glutinosum (M.E. Jones) M.E. Jones is generally not necessary, as the plant is able to maintain its shape and size on its own. However, if you wish to control the growth or shape of the plant, you can prune it back at the end of the growing season.
To prune, simply remove any damaged or dead branches, as well as any branches that are growing in a way that is unwanted. Take care not to remove too much of the plant, as this can inhibit growth and cause damage. You can also cut back any spent flowers to encourage new growth and continued blooming.
Propagation of Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. glutinosum (M.E. Jones) M.E. Jones
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. glutinosum (M.E. Jones) M.E. Jones, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain wild buckwheat, is a native perennial shrub that can be propagated through several methods. These methods include:
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest and common ways to propagate Eriogonum corymbosum var. glutinosum is through seed propagation. The flowers of this plant produce achenes, which contain seeds that are easy to collect. The best time to collect the seed is in late summer or early fall when the achenes have turned brown. Once collected, the seeds can be sown in the early spring in well-drained soil mixed with sand or perlite. The seeds require light to germinate, so they should be lightly pressed into the soil surface. Ensure that the soil remains consistently moist until germination occurs, which should take roughly 2 to 3 weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
An alternative method of propagation is through vegetative propagation. This involves taking cuttings from a parent plant and rooting them to produce new plants. Eriogonum corymbosum var. glutinosum can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken from the plant's current season's growth. Cuttings should be taken in mid to late summer when the plant is actively growing. Once collected, the leaves should be removed from the bottom half of the cutting leaving a few leaves on the tip. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in well-drained soil mixed with sand or perlite. They should be kept in a warm and humid environment until they root.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. glutinosum
Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. glutinosum, also known as the sticky wild buckwheat, can be susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some common ones and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Crown and Root Rot
This fungal disease can be caused by excessive watering or poor drainage in the soil. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and dieback of leaves and stems. Infected plants are easily uprooted since the roots are mushy and black.
To manage this disease, improve soil drainage by adding organic matter or planting in raised beds. Avoid overwatering and plant rotation to prevent spreading the disease.
Powdery Mildew
This disease is characterized by the white powdery coating on leaves, stems, flowers, and buds. It attacks the plant's ability to photosynthesize, resulting in stunted growth and premature leaf drop.
To manage this disease, plant the E. corymbosum var. glutinosum in areas with good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Remove infected foliage and use fungicides labeled for powdery mildew.
Pests
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the leaves, resulting in yellowing and bronzing of foliage. Signs of their presence are visible webs on the plant.
To manage spider mites, apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil and wash leaves with a strong jet of water. Prune heavily infested parts of the plant.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths or butterflies that feed on the plant's leaves, causing ragged edges or complete defoliation.
To manage caterpillars, handpick and remove them from the plant or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a biopesticide that targets caterpillars.
By being mindful of diseases and pests, you can help Eriogonum corymbosum Benth. var. glutinosum thrive as a beautiful addition to your garden or landscape.
