Overview
Eriogonum effusum Nutt. var. rosmarinoides Benth. is a perennial plant which is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is a bushy evergreen shrub that typically grows in dry, rocky areas and can reach a height of about 3 feet.
Appearance
The plant has narrow, gray-green leaves that are about 1 inch long and resemble rosemary leaves hence its common name “Rosy Buckwheat”. The leaves are hairless with a smooth surface and are situated along the branches. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer with large clusters of small, pink to rose-colored flowers which usually have a yellow center. The plant is known for attracting many pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Uses
Eriogonum effusum Nutt. var. rosmarinoides Benth. is an extremely hardy and drought-tolerant plant, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and native gardens. It is frequently used for ground cover, erosion control, and as a habitat plant. Native Americans used this plant for food, ceremony, and medicinal purposes. The seeds produced by the plant were used for food while the plants themselves were often burned as a purifying incense in ceremonies. The leaves and flowers were used as an herbal remedy to relieve stomachaches and respiratory problems.
In summary, Eriogonum effusum Nutt. var. rosmarinoides Benth. is a drought-tolerant, evergreen shrub that is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Its gray-green leaves resemble rosemary and its large clusters of pink to rose-colored flowers attract many pollinators. The plant has a variety of uses including xeriscaping, erosion control, and as a habitat plant as well as being used in traditional Native American ceremonies for food, purifying incense, and medicinal purposes.Light Conditions
Eriogonum effusum Nutt. var. rosmarinoides Benth. requires full sun exposure to grow well. It can tolerate partial shade, but it prefers a location where it receives direct sunlight for most of the day. The plant grows best in areas where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can be grown in a variety of temperature ranges. Eriogonum effusum Nutt. var. rosmarinoides Benth. is native to the Mojave Desert, where it is adapted to hot, dry conditions. The plant can withstand high temperatures and drought, but it can also tolerate cold temperatures. It can handle temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C) in midwinter.
Soil Requirements
This plant thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. Eriogonum effusum Nutt. var. rosmarinoides Benth. prefers moderately fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. It can tolerate sandy soils, rocky soils, and clay soils, but it grows best in sandy or loamy soils. The plant can also tolerate soils with high salt content, making it suitable for growth in coastal areas.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum effusum Nutt. var. rosmarinoides Benth. is a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plant that is easy to cultivate. It thrives in dry, well-drained soils and does well in areas with a lot of sunlight. To cultivate this plant, first, pick a location that has excellent drainage. Amending the soil with compost or well-draining sand would also be ideal. After planting, be sure not to drown the plant with too much water as this can cause root rot.
Watering Needs
The Eriogonum effusum Nutt. var. rosmarinoides Benth. is a drought-tolerant plant and requires very little water. It is better to underwater than to overwater this plant. Watering once every two weeks should suffice, but this may vary depending on the humidity levels in your area. Always check the soil's moisture level before watering to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
This plant does not require much fertilization. A yearly feeding in the fall with a balanced, organic fertilizer should be sufficient. Avoid using synthetic fertilizers with high nitrogen levels, as they can encourage too much foliage growth and deter flower formation.
Pruning
Eriogonum effusum Nutt. var. rosmarinoides Benth. requires very little pruning. Pruning should be done during the fall or winter months. This plant blooms on old wood, so be careful not to prune too much. Removing spent flowers may encourage more flowering the following year. Trim any dead or damaged branches to promote new growth.
Propagation of Eriogonum effusum Nutt. var. rosmarinoides Benth.
Eriogonum effusum Nutt. var. rosmarinoides Benth. can be propagated by seeds and cuttings. Successful propagation requires careful attention to timing, temperature, and moisture conditions.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method for Eriogonum effusum Nutt. var. rosmarinoides Benth. Seeds should be collected in the fall when they are mature and dark brown. To maximize germination rates, seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until planting.
Seeds can be directly sown in the ground in late fall or early spring. They can also be started indoors in pots or flats in early spring. Seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until germination, which typically occurs within two to four weeks. Once the seedlings are several inches tall, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is a method used to ensure that the resulting plants are genetically identical to the parent plant. Cuttings can be taken from new growth in the spring or early summer. Cuttings should be several inches long and taken from healthy, disease-free plants.
The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. To prevent wilting, cuttings should be kept out of direct sunlight and exposed to bright, indirect light. After a few weeks, the cuttings should root and begin to grow new leaves.
Regardless of the propagation method used, newly planted Eriogonum effusum Nutt. var. rosmarinoides Benth. should be protected from wind and direct sunlight until they become established. With proper care and attention, propagated plants should grow to maturity and produce seeds or cuttings for future propagation.
Disease Management
Eriogonum effusum Nutt. var. rosmarinoides Benth. is susceptible to various diseases that can have an adverse effect on the plant's growth and survival. Some of the common diseases that might affect this plant include:
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by fungi that infect the plant's roots and results in yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage root rot, it is essential to maintain a well-draining soil and avoid over-watering the plant.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that results in the formation of a white powdery substance on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to maintain good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that results in the formation of orange or brown spots on the leaves. To manage rust, it is essential to remove the infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
Pest Management
Eriogonum effusum Nutt. var. rosmarinoides Benth. is also susceptible to various pests that can have an adverse effect on the plant's growth and survival. Some of the common pests that might affect this plant include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves, resulting in curling and yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphids, it is essential to remove them with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are small pests that suck the sap from the leaves, resulting in yellowing and dropping of the leaves. To manage spider mites, it is essential to maintain good air circulation and use an insecticidal soap.
- Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, winged insects that suck the sap from the leaves, resulting in yellowing and dropping of the leaves. To manage whiteflies, it is essential to use an insecticidal soap or insecticide.
