Origin
Eriogonum douglasii Benth. var. sublineare (S. Stokes) Reveal, also known as the Douglas' wild buckwheat, is a flowering plant species native to North America. It can be found in various regions, from California, Oregon, Nevada, and Idaho to Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. This plant thrives in sandy or rocky soils, typically in meadows, grasslands, sagebrush slopes, and subalpine habitats.
Common Names
Douglas' wild buckwheat is commonly known by several other names, including subalpine buckwheat, cushion wild buckwheat, and shortleaf wild buckwheat.
Uses
The Douglas' wild buckwheat has some medicinal uses, but it is mainly valued for its aesthetic and ecological values. This plant's striking appearance and vivid yellow to golden-colored flowers make it a desirable ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. Furthermore, it provides food and habitat for various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
General Appearance
The Douglas' wild buckwheat is a small, low-growing shrub that typically reaches 0.3 to 1.5 meters in height and spread. It has multiple stems that arise from a woody base covered with silvery hairs. The leaves are small, narrow, and densely packed, forming a cushion-like structure that helps the plant retain moisture and withstand harsh environmental conditions. The flowers are arranged in branched clusters, with each cluster containing numerous five-petaled flowers that bloom from June to September. They have bright yellow to golden-yellow petals, surrounded by papery, lance-shaped bracts that turn rusty brown as they mature. The plant's fruits are tiny, triangular, and inconspicuous, often enclosed within the persistent flowers' bracts.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum douglasii Benth. var. sublineare (S. Stokes) Reveal requires full sun for optimal growth and flowering. The plant cannot tolerate shade and must receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to the Pacific Northwest and has adapted well to its cool and mild climate. The ideal temperature range for Eriogonum douglasii Benth. var. sublineare (S. Stokes) Reveal is between 50°F to 75°F. The plant can tolerate occasional frost but cannot tolerate high temperatures above 80°F.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum douglasii Benth. var. sublineare (S. Stokes) Reveal prefers well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil. The plant can tolerate a wide range of pH levels, from acidic to alkaline, but prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of 6.5 to 7.5. The plant is drought-tolerant but performs best when the soil is kept slightly moist during the growing season.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum douglasii Benth. var. sublineare (S. Stokes) Reveal is a perennial plant that grows best in well-drained soil. The plant prefers full sunlight and dry conditions. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types but thrives in sandy or loamy soils. It is essential to plant Eriogonum douglasii Benth. var. sublineare (S. Stokes) Reveal in an area where it will not be disturbed as it grows best when left undisturbed.
Watering Needs
Eriogonum douglasii Benth. var. sublineare (S. Stokes) Reveal requires moderate watering during its growth cycle, and you should avoid overwatering. The frequency and amount of watering depend on the soil type and environmental conditions. It's advisable to water only when the soil is dry to touch, and it is better to water deeply at longer intervals. This helps the plant establish a deeper root system and improves the plant's resistance to drought. During the rainy season, it's best to reduce the frequency of watering to avoid waterlogging, which can affect the plant's growth.
Fertilization
Eriogonum douglasii Benth. var. sublineare (S. Stokes) Reveal is a low-maintenance plant and does not require frequent fertilization. However, it benefits from a light application of organic fertilizer in the spring and summer. You can also add well-rotted animal manure or compost to the soil before planting to provide the necessary nutrients. It is advisable to avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers on this plant as it can affect the plant's growth and flowering.
Pruning
Eriogonum douglasii Benth. var. sublineare (S. Stokes) Reveal does not require regular pruning, but you can trim it after blooming to maintain its shape and improve its appearance. You should remove any dead or diseased stems or leaves from the plant to encourage new growth. It's important to note that cutting back the plant too severely can reduce its blooming capabilities, so it's essential to be careful when pruning.
Propagation of Eriogonum douglasii Benth. var. sublineare (S. Stokes) Reveal
Eriogonum douglasii Benth. var. sublineare (S. Stokes) Reveal, commonly known as "Cushenbury buckwheat," can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Eriogonum douglasii Benth. var. sublineare can be collected from ripe seed heads in late summer or early fall. The collected seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place until ready for planting.
The seeds can be sown indoors in early spring or directly in the garden in the fall. The soil should be well-draining and slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil, and the soil should be kept moist until germination, which usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks.
Once the seedlings have developed 2 to 3 true leaves, they can be transplanted to their permanent location in the garden.
Propagation through Cuttings
Eriogonum douglasii Benth. var. sublineare can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken in the summer.
The cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants, and each cutting should include at least two nodes. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting.
The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil, and the soil should be kept moist until roots have formed. This usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks. Once roots have formed and new growth is visible, the new plant can be transplanted to its permanent location in the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriogonum douglasii Benth. var. sublineare (S. Stokes) Reveal
Eriogonum douglasii Benth. var. sublineare (S. Stokes) Reveal, commonly known as Douglas' buckwheat, is a perennial plant native to California. This plant is vulnerable to various diseases and pests, which can damage or kill the plant. Thus, it is necessary to take appropriate measures to manage these issues. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Eriogonum douglasii Benth. var. sublineare (S. Stokes) Reveal and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Phytophthora root rot: This disease is caused by a soil-borne fungal pathogen that attacks the roots of the plants. Signs include leaf yellowing, stunted growth, and the plant collapsing. To prevent this issue, avoid overwatering, and make sure the soil is well-draining. Also, remove affected plants and quarantine the surrounding plants.
Leaf spot: The pathogen causing leaf spot disease infects leaves in contact with infected soil. Symptoms include small, round spots on leaves that can coalesce. Infected leaves should be removed, and diseased debris should not be left on the ground.
Pests
Spider mites: These tiny pests are difficult to detect, but signs include a dusting of webs and yellowed foliage. Horticultural oil or insecticidal soap can be used to control spider mites.
Aphids: Aphids can cause wilting, yellowing leaves and stunted growth of the plant. They often gather in groups on new growth and flower buds. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.
Thrips: These tiny insects damage the leaves, causing discoloration and distortion. They also feed on the flowers and buds of the plants. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to control thrips.
In conclusion, disease and pest management is essential for the growth and survival of Eriogonum douglasii Benth. var. sublineare (S. Stokes) Reveal. By following the methods mentioned above, you can keep your plant healthy and free from any issues.
