Overview
Eriogonum deflexum Torr. is a species of wild buckwheat that belongs to the family Polygonaceae, commonly known as the spreading buckwheat. It is native to western North America and can be found in various habitats like prairies, sagebrush, and alpine tundra.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Spreading Buckwheat, as well as the Flat Top Buckwheat, due to the appearance of its inflorescence.
Appearance
Eriogonum deflexum Torr. is a perennial plant that grows up to 5-60 cm tall. It has a woody base and branched stems that grow upwards or spread along the ground. The leaves are linear or oblanceolate, thick, and hairy. The inflorescences are flat-topped with clusters of small, yellow or pinkish flowers that bloom from July to September. The plant is attractive to pollinators, especially bees and butterflies.
Uses
Eriogonum deflexum Torr. has both medicinal and ornamental uses. The plant has been traditionally used as a remedy for fever, sore throat, and digestive ailments. Native American tribes used the plant to treat cuts, wounds, and burns. In modern times, the plant is used in xeriscaping and found in rock gardens. It is also an important plant for wildlife and provides food and habitat for various insects, birds, and mammals.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum deflexum Torr. prefers full sun exposure to partial shade. It requires direct sunlight for about 6-8 hours per day to thrive well. In shaded areas, this plant may grow lanky, lean towards sunlight and have reduced or slowed growth rates.
Temperature Requirements
This species is widely dispersed in the United States and can tolerate a broad range of temperature extremes. It can adapt to hot and dry conditions but also be hardy in colder temperatures. Eriogonum deflexum Torr. typically blooms from May to September, and it prefers temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F during these months. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from 25°F to 110°F.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum deflexum Torr. thrives best in well-drained, rocky soils with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. It prefers sandy or loamy soils containing high levels of organic matter. This species can tolerate drought conditions, but too much moisture in the soil can lead to root rot, which can be fatal. Additionally, the plant requires good air circulation in the soil to promote root growth and avoid soil compaction.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum deflexum Torr. is a perennial plant that is native to western North America and can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay soils. It prefers to be planted in a location that offers full sun exposure and good air circulation. The plant can be propagated through seeds, cuttings or root divisions.
Watering Needs
The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with low rainfall, but it still needs a moderate amount of water to grow and thrive. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, particularly during the growing season. A deep watering done once a week is typically sufficient.
Fertilization
Eriogonum deflexum Torr. does not require much fertilization. However, if you want to promote healthy growth, you can apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before the growing season begins. Avoid applying too much fertilizer as it can lead to excessive growth and decreased drought tolerance.
Pruning
This plant does not require much pruning, but you can clip back any dead or yellowing foliage to keep it looking tidy. If the plant becomes too leggy, you can cut it back by up to one-third of its total height in late winter or early spring. Doing so will encourage bushier growth and more flowering.
Propagation of Eriogonum deflexum Torr.
Eriogonum deflexum Torr., also known as the Shasta buckwheat, is a small, perennial plant native to California. It has a shrubby growth habit and produces clusters of pink or white flowers in the summer months.
Propagation Methods
Eriogonum deflexum Torr. can be propagated by several methods, including seed propagation and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Eriogonum deflexum Torr. can be collected from mature plants in the late summer or early fall. The seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be planted in the spring. Before planting, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to increase their germination rate.
The seeds can be sown directly into a well-draining soil mixture, or started in small pots or trays. They should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist, with consistent soil temperatures between 60-70°F. Seedlings should emerge within 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden after they have grown several sets of true leaves.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings of Eriogonum deflexum Torr. can also be taken in late summer or early fall. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants and should be at least 3-4 inches long. The bottom of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mixture.
The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm, bright location, with consistent soil temperatures between 60-70°F. Roots should develop within 4-6 weeks, and the plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden once it has established a healthy root system.
Disease Management
Although Eriogonum deflexum is a hardy and disease-resistant plant, it may sometimes fall prey to some diseases, such as:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that affects many plants, including Eriogonum deflexum. Symptoms include circular or irregular spots on the leaves, yellowing, and premature leaf drop. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, improve air circulation around the plant, and avoid overhead watering.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a fine white powder to appear on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It is usually caused by high humidity, and poor air circulation. To manage this disease, water the plant at the base, improve air circulation, and prune or remove affected parts.
Pest Management
Some pests may attack Eriogonum deflexum, causing damage to the plant. The most common pests that you can encounter are:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that attack the plant, feeding on the leaves and stems. Symptoms include yellowing, speckled leaves, and webbing around the plant. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, keep the plant well-hydrated, and improve air circulation.
Cutworms
Cutworms are the caterpillar larvae of several moth species, and they feed on the plant stem at or below the soil line, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, handpick them from the soil around the plant or use organic pesticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
Root Rot
Root rot is a soil-borne fungal disease that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and die. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering, ensure proper drainage, and remove infected plants.
