Introduction and Origin
Eriogonum deflexum Torr. ssp. rixfordii (S. Stokes) Munz is a subspecies of the wild buckwheat plant, Eriogonum deflexum. This plant is native to California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah in the United States. It grows in a variety of habitats, including rocky terrain, sandy washes, and sagebrush scrubland.
Common Names
The common names of Eriogonum deflexum Torr. ssp. rixfordii include Rixford's buckwheat and Kern County buckwheat. These names are in reference to the plant's location in Kern County, California, where it was first discovered and botanically described in 1945.
Uses
Eriogonum deflexum Torr. ssp. rixfordii has no known traditional uses by indigenous peoples. However, the plant is of interest to researchers studying the ecology and conservation of California's native flora. Some nurseries offer the plant for sale to horticultural enthusiasts interested in growing native plants in their gardens or landscaping.
Appearance
Eriogonum deflexum Torr. ssp. rixfordii is a small, compact, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 1.5 feet tall and wide. The plant produces a dense, low mound of small, leathery, dark green leaves. In the summer months, the plant produces numerous small, white to pink flowers that are held above the foliage on long, wiry stems. The flowers are a favorite of many pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum deflexum Torr. ssp. rixfordii (S. Stokes) Munz, commonly known as Rixford's Buckwheat, is a sun-loving plant that requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate some shade, but too much can lead to stunted growth and poor flowering. Therefore, it is best to plant them in areas with plenty of sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Rixford's Buckwheat is a native plant of California and is well-adapted to a Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60-80°F (15.6-26.7°C), but it can tolerate brief periods of extreme heat or cold.
Soil Requirements
This buckwheat species prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.5). It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. However, it does not do well in heavy clay soils that retain too much water. Therefore, it is essential to improve soil drainage before planting, especially in areas with high rainfall or where the soil has poor drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum deflexum Torr. ssp. rixfordii (S. Stokes) Munz, also known as Rixford's buckwheat, is a perennial plant that is native to California and prefers to grow in sunny, dry areas with well-draining soil. It can be propagated by seeds or cuttings, and it is important to provide it with suitable growing conditions to ensure its success.
Watering Needs
This plant is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. However, it is crucial to keep the soil moist during the first growing season until the plant becomes established. After that, it can survive on natural rainfall, but occasional deep watering during prolonged droughts may be necessary.
Fertilization
Eriogonum deflexum Torr. ssp. rixfordii (S. Stokes) Munz does not require a lot of fertilization. In fact, excessive nitrogen can harm it. To promote healthy growth, you can add low-nitrogen fertilizer once or twice a year, preferably in spring or fall.
Pruning
Rixford's buckwheat does not require any pruning, but it is advisable to remove any dead or damaged stems or leaves as needed. If you want to maintain its shape or control its size, you can prune it in late winter or early spring. Additionally, removing the spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
Propagation methods for Eriogonum deflexum Torr. ssp. rixfordii (S. Stokes) Munz
Eriogonum deflexum Torr. ssp. rixfordii (S. Stokes) Munz, also known as Rixford's Buckwheat or Cushion Wild Buckwheat, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is commonly found in the coastal mountain ranges of California. It is a low-growing plant that typically reaches a height of only 6-12 inches and has small white or pinkish flowers that bloom in the summer.
Seed germination
The easiest and most common way to propagate Eriogonum deflexum Torr. ssp. rixfordii is by seed. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil in the fall, after the first rainfall of the season. The seeds need to be placed on the surface of well-draining soil and covered lightly with sand or soil. The seeds will germinate in the spring, typically within 2-4 weeks of planting.
Cuttings
Propagation of Eriogonum deflexum Torr. ssp. rixfordii can also be done through stem cuttings. Take cuttings in late spring or early summer from non-flowering stems. Prepare the cutting by removing the lower leaves and dipping the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist until roots form, which usually takes about 4-6 weeks. Once rooted, the new plant can be transplanted to a new location.
Division
Another way to propagate Eriogonum deflexum Torr. ssp. rixfordii is by division. This method is best done in the fall or early spring. Dig up the mature plant, being careful not to disturb the roots too much. Gently separate the plant into pieces, making sure each piece has a portion of the root system intact. Replant the divided plants in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist until they are established.
Disease Management
Eriogonum deflexum Torr. ssp. rixfordii is generally not prone to serious diseases if grown in proper conditions. Good cultural practices such as providing adequate sunlight, well-drained soil, and proper watering are essential for maintaining plant health and preventing diseases. However, certain fungal and bacterial diseases may still affect the plant, and timely management can save the crop from significant damage.
The most common fungal diseases that affect Eriogonum deflexum Torr. ssp. rixfordii are powdery mildew and rust. Powdery mildew causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers, while rust appears as tiny orange or red spots on the leaves. These diseases can be controlled by regular pruning to remove the infected parts, proper sanitation, and applying fungicides according to the manufacturer's instructions.
The bacterial diseases that can affect Eriogonum deflexum Torr. ssp. rixfordii include bacterial leaf spot and crown gall disease. Bacterial leaf spot causes small, water-soaked lesions with yellow halos on the leaves, which can eventually turn brown and cause defoliation. Crown gall disease is a bacterial infection that causes swollen and distorted growth on the stem. There are no effective treatments for bacterial diseases, so prevention is key. Sanitation and proper plant hygiene are crucial, and using disease-free plant material can prevent infection.
Pest Management
Eriogonum deflexum Torr. ssp. rixfordii is generally resistant to pests. However, some common pests can still cause damage to the plant, including spider mites, aphids, and caterpillars.
Spider mites are common pests that can cause severe damage to plants. They are tiny pests that suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. Adequate watering and humidifying can reduce spider mite infestation. Spraying the plant every few days with water can reduce their numbers. In extreme infestations, insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils can be applied to control them.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and curling of the leaves and stunted growth. Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps can control aphids. Insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils can also be effective against aphids.
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on plant leaves and flowers, causing holes and defoliation. Handpicking and removal of the caterpillars can be an effective control method. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a microbial insecticide that can target only caterpillars, providing effective and selective control.
In summary, maintaining plant health through proper cultural practices and timely management of diseases and pests is crucial for the successful growth of Eriogonum deflexum Torr. ssp. rixfordii.
