Plant Description
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. glabrescens S. Stokes is a perennial herb that belongs to the Polygonaceae family. It is known for its robust appearance and can reach up to 1-3 feet in height. The plant characteristically has multiple branching stems that grow from a woody base and are often covered with a gray-green color.
Origin and Common Names
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. glabrescens S. Stokes is commonly called Saxifrage Douglas Buckwheat and can be found in different parts of North America, specifically in the Western United States. The plant typically grows in arid or semi-arid regions and is well adapted to xeric environments.
Uses
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. glabrescens S. Stokes has several medicinal and ecological uses. Native American tribes have used the plant to cure colds, flu, and other respiratory ailments. The plant also plays an important role in soil conservation and reduces water runoff in arid environments. Additionally, the plant provides habitat and forage for various wildlife such as rodents and birds.
Growth Conditions for Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. glabrescens S. Stokes
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. glabrescens S. Stokes is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Polygonaceae. This plant species is commonly known as the Wallowa Mountains Buckwheat. It is native to North America and can be found growing in diverse habitats, including mountain meadows, rocky slopes, and open woodlands, usually at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 meters.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. glabrescens S. Stokes requires full sun exposure to thrive. This plant species can tolerate partial shading, but it may lead to decreased flower production and weaker stems. Therefore, it is crucial to plant these buckwheats in an open area where they can receive plenty of sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. glabrescens S. Stokes is adapted to grow in subalpine and alpine ecosystems, where the temperatures are relatively cool to cold. The ideal temperature range for this plant species is between 18 to 24 degrees Celsius during the day and 5 to 13 degrees Celsius at night. Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. glabrescens S. Stokes can tolerate temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius and as high as 30 degrees Celsius, but such extreme conditions often affect its growth and survival.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. glabrescens S. Stokes thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. This plant species prefers soils that are slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clayey, sandy, and loamy soils. However, Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. glabrescens S. Stokes cannot grow in waterlogged soils, as excessive moisture can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. glabrescens S. Stokes can be cultivated in well-draining soil that ranges from loam to sandy. The plant needs an ample amount of sunlight to thrive, and it is better to grow it in an open space rather than in an enclosed environment.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. glabrescens S. Stokes vary depending on the growth stage of the plant, the weather conditions, and the amount of moisture present in the soil. The plant requires moderate watering during the active growing season, but it does well in dry conditions. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues, so it's essential to avoid watering the plant too frequently.
Fertilization
The fertilization needs of Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. glabrescens S. Stokes depend on the quality of the soil. Adding organic matter to the soil mix can help the plant grow better and develop a strong root system. An all-purpose slow-release fertilizer can be added during the growing season to provide essential nutrients to the plant. However, it's essential to avoid overfertilizing the plant as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduce flowering.
Pruning
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. glabrescens S. Stokes requires minimal pruning, mainly to maintain its shape and promote flowering. The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant season, and it can be done by cutting back one-third of the plant's height. Deadwood and diseased parts should be removed as soon as they are noticed.
Propagation Methods for Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. glabrescens S. Stokes
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. glabrescens S. Stokes, commonly known as the garden or tall buckwheat, is a perennial plant that can grow up to 2 meters tall. This plant can be propagated through several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Propagation by seed is the most common method for Eriogonum elatum ssp. glabrescens. Seeds can be collected from the plant and sown in trays filled with a well-draining substrate. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of substrate and watered regularly to keep the substrate moist but not waterlogged. Germination should begin within 1-2 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to larger containers after they have developed a few sets of true leaves.
Cuttings Propagation
Eriogonum elatum ssp. glabrescens can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings can be taken from non-flowering stems during the growing season and should be about 10-15 cm long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining substrate. The cutting should be covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain high humidity levels. Roots should begin to form within 2-3 weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted to a larger container after a few weeks.
Division Propagation
Division is another propagation method for Eriogonum elatum ssp. glabrescens. This method involves digging up an established plant and dividing the rootball into several smaller sections, each containing its own shoot and root system. The divisions can be replanted in well-draining soil and watered regularly. This method is best done in the early spring or fall, after the plant has finished flowering.
Disease Management
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. glabrescens S. Stokes is generally resistant to many diseases, but it can still be affected by some fungal and bacterial infections.
Gray mold, caused by Botrytis cinerea, may affect the leaves, flowers, and stems of the plant. This can be managed by removing affected plant parts and improving air circulation around the plant. Avoid overhead watering and use drip irrigation instead. Fungicides may also be applied as a preventive measure.
Leaf spot, caused by the fungus Cercospora, can cause circular spots with gray centers and dark margins on the leaves. This can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and providing adequate spacing between the plants. Fungicides may also be used for management.
Bacterial stem blight, caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. eriogoni, can cause stem lesions and wilting. Affected plant parts should be removed, and pruning tools should be disinfected between cuts. Copper-based fungicides may also be applied as a preventive measure.
Pest Management
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. glabrescens S. Stokes is generally not prone to serious pest infestations, but some pests may occasionally cause damage.
Aphids may feed on the plant sap, causing leaf distortion and stunted growth. This can be managed by spraying the plants with a strong stream of water, releasing natural enemies such as ladybugs and lacewings, or applying insecticidal soap.
Spider mites may also infest the plant, causing yellowed leaves with fine webbing. This can be managed by improving air circulation around the plant, increasing humidity, and applying insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Cabbage loopers may also feed on the leaves, causing large irregular holes. Handpicking may be effective, or Bacillus thuringiensis may be applied as a preventive measure.
Overall, proper cultural practices, such as maintaining plant health and providing adequate spacing, water, and fertilization, can help prevent both pest and disease problems in Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. glabrescens S. Stokes.
