Origin
Eriogonum covilleanum Eastw. ssp. adsurgens (Jepson) Abrams is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Polygonaceae. It is native to California and can be found on rocky slopes, ridges, and mesas throughout the state.
Common Names
Eriogonum covilleanum Eastw. ssp. adsurgens is commonly known as Coville's buckwheat or Coville's eriogonum. Other common names include erect buckwheat and Coville's wild buckwheat.
Uses
Eriogonum covilleanum Eastw. ssp. adsurgens has several medicinal uses in Native American cultures. The leaves and stems can be used to make a tea that is used to treat headaches, stomachaches, and colds. The roots are used to treat toothaches and other oral problems. The plant also has ornamental value and is grown in gardens and landscapes as an attractive ground cover or border plant.
General Appearance
Eriogonum covilleanum Eastw. ssp. adsurgens has a shrub-like growth habit and can grow up to 1 foot in height and 2-3 feet in width. The leaves are oblong to oval in shape and are leathery, dark green in color, and smooth on the surface. The plant produces dense clusters of small white to pinkish flowers from late spring to early summer. The flowers are attractive to pollinators, especially bees and butterflies. The plant's root system is extensive, making it drought tolerant and ideal for erosion control.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum covilleanum Eastw. ssp. adsurgens (Jepson) Abrams, commonly known as Coville's buckwheat, thrives in full sunlight and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. This plant prefers well-lit, open locations and does not tolerate shady environments well. It can grow in both exposed and protected areas, but it requires access to light to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
Eriogonum covilleanum Eastw. ssp. adsurgens (Jepson) Abrams grows well in a variety of temperature ranges. However, it typically flourishes in warm, dry climates. During the growing season, temperatures should not exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and nighttime temperatures should not dip below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter months, temperatures should not drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Freezing temperatures can severely damage or kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
Coville's buckwheat prefers well-draining, sandy or gravelly soils. It can grow in nutrient-poor soils with low fertility, and soils with neutral pH levels and a low to moderate salt tolerance. It is essential to avoid planting in heavy, clay-rich soils that can retain excess water, as this can lead to root rot. Instead, Eriogonum covilleanum Eastw. ssp. adsurgens (Jepson) Abrams prefers well-drained soils that allow water to flow through quickly and prevent excess water buildup.
Cultivation of Eriogonum covilleanum Eastw. ssp. adsurgens (Jepson) Abrams
Eriogonum covilleanum Eastw. ssp. adsurgens (Jepson) Abrams is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in well-draining soils and full sun exposure. This plant is endemic to the Sierra Nevada mountains and grows at elevations of 1000-3000 meters. It requires little maintenance and is an excellent choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and native plant landscapes.
Watering Needs
Water Eriogonum covilleanum Eastw. ssp. adsurgens (Jepson) Abrams deeply but infrequently. During the growing season, it requires occasional watering, preferably once every two weeks. Avoid watering if the soil is still moist to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Eriogonum covilleanum Eastw. ssp. adsurgens (Jepson) Abrams does not need regular fertilization. In fact, it can thrive in poor soils that are low in nutrients. However, if you notice that the plant is struggling and not growing vigorously, you can fertilize it once a year with a low-nitrogen fertilizer. Do this in early spring before the growing season begins.
Pruning
Eriogonum covilleanum Eastw. ssp. adsurgens (Jepson) Abrams does not require much pruning. However, you can trim the plant in late winter or early spring to encourage bushy growth and remove any dead or damaged branches. Use sharp pruning shears and make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle.
Propagation of Eriogonum covilleanum Eastw. ssp. adsurgens (Jepson) Abrams
Eriogonum covilleanum Eastw. ssp. adsurgens (Jepson) Abrams, commonly known as Coville's buckwheat, can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, stem cuttings or by division of existing clumps.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation for Eriogonum covilleanum Eastw. ssp. adsurgens is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the dried flower heads and stored in an airtight container in a cool and dry place until the next growing season.
The seeds should be sown in early spring in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination. The germination period ranges from several weeks to several months, depending on the conditions. Once the seedlings are established and have grown to a height of a few inches, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Eriogonum covilleanum Eastw. ssp. adsurgens can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken in the early summer from the current season's growth. Cut a piece of stem 2-4 inches long and remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a shaded location. After several weeks, the cutting should start to develop roots. Once the roots have established, the new plant can be transplanted into a permanent location.
Division Propagation
Eriogonum covilleanum Eastw. ssp. adsurgens can also be propagated through division of existing clumps. The best time to divide the plant is in the spring when new growth starts to emerge. Carefully dig up the clump of the plant and gently separate it into smaller pieces. Each new division should have a good root system and some new growth. Replant the divisions into a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist until the new plant is established.
Regardless of the propagation method chosen, it is important to provide the plant with adequate water and nutrients as it establishes itself in its new location.
Disease Management
While Eriogonum covilleanum Eastw. ssp. adsurgens is relatively disease-resistant, there are a few diseases that might affect the plant:
Root Rots
Root rot is caused by soil-borne fungi that attack the plant's roots, causing them to rot. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing of leaves, and stunted growth. To manage root rots, avoid over-watering the plant and ensure that the soil is well-drained. If you suspect root rot, remove infected plants and dispose of them properly.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of plants. It can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to other diseases. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides may also be used to control the disease, but be sure to follow the label instructions carefully.
Pest Management
Eriogonum covilleanum Eastw. ssp. adsurgens is generally not bothered by pests, but there are a few insects that might affect the plant:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause distortion and discoloration of the leaves and stems. To manage aphids, wash them off with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap or oil. Ladybugs and lacewings are also natural predators of aphids.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing and stippling. They produce fine webs that can cover the plant. To manage spider mites, wash them off with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap or oil. Ladybugs and predatory mites are also natural predators of spider mites.
By following these management practices, you can keep Eriogonum covilleanum Eastw. ssp. adsurgens healthy and thriving.
