Origin
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. villosum (Jepson) Munz ex Reveal, more commonly known as the woolly wild buckwheat, is a flowering plant native to western North America, specifically within the areas of California, Oregon, and Nevada.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including woolly wild buckwheat, woolly buckwheat, Hines' buckwheat, Hines' eriogonum, and woolly eriogonum.
Uses
Woolly wild buckwheat has several uses in traditional medicine. The Indigenous people of California used the plant to alleviate various conditions such as coughs, colds, and stomach aches. The leaves and stems also possess antimicrobial properties, and the crushed leaves can be used as a topical treatment for wounds.
The plant is also useful as a food source for wildlife, particularly for pollinators like bees and butterflies. The seeds are consumed by rodents and small mammals, while the flowers and leaves are eaten by deer.
General Appearance
Woolly wild buckwheat is a small, perennial shrub that grows up to 20 inches in height. The stems are slender, erect, and woody at the base, covered in dense white hairs, giving the plant a woolly appearance. The leaves are blue-green, elongated, and slightly hairy, measuring up to 2 inches long and 0.5 inches wide. The plant blooms from June to September, with clusters of small, white or pinkish flowers atop long, leafless stems. The flowers give way to small, triangular seeds that are black or reddish-brown in color.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. villosum (Jepson) Munz ex Reveal typically grows in full sunlight. This plant needs direct exposure to the sun to grow and thrive. It is not suited for shaded areas.
Temperature Requirements
This species thrives in warm temperatures. It is commonly found in areas with mild temperatures between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold temperatures may delay its growth and development. Temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit may also cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
E. elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. villosum (Jepson) Munz ex Reveal prefers well-draining soil. It does not tolerate wet or water-logged soil, which can lead to root rot and eventually kill the plant. A fertile soil containing high organic matter and nutrients is best suited for it to flourish. It adapts to a wide range of soil pH levels ranging from acidic to alkaline environments.
Cultivation
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. villosum (Jepson) Munz ex Reveal can be cultivated both in pots and in garden beds. It prefers well-drained soil and full exposure to sunlight for at least six hours per day. It is a drought-resistant plant that can tolerate prolonged periods without water but needs good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Needs
Although Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. villosum (Jepson) Munz ex Reveal is drought-resistant, it still needs adequate water to grow healthily. It is better to water it deeply but infrequently to encourage root growth. Watering frequency will depend on weather conditions and soil drainage. During the hot season, watering can be increased to twice a week.
Fertilization
Eriogonums are generally not heavy feeders. However, adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to the soil during planting or early spring can increase the plant's growth and flowering. Applying a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, every 6-8 weeks during the growing season can also help boost plant growth.
Pruning
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. villosum (Jepson) Munz ex Reveal does not require much pruning as it maintains its shape naturally. However, pruning can help promote bushier growth and increase the number of flowers. Prune after flowering, cutting back the stems by two-thirds, and remove any dead or damaged growth. Avoid pruning in late summer, as this can affect the plant's ability to produce flowers.
Propagation of Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. villosum (Jepson) Munz ex Reveal
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. villosum (Jepson) Munz ex Reveal, commonly known as the Tall Buckwheat, is a hardy perennial plant that is native to California. Propagation of this plant can be done from seeds or cuttings.
Propagation from seeds
Seeds of Eriogonum elatum can be collected in late summer or early autumn when the seed heads turn brown and begin to split open. The collected seeds must be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until sowing. The best time for sowing is in the fall or spring. Before sowing, the seeds must be stratified, i.e., exposed to a period of cold, moist conditions to overcome dormancy. This can be done by mixing the seeds with moist sand or vermiculite and storing them in a refrigerator for several weeks. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in well-drained soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil must be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which may take about 3 weeks to a few months.
Propagation from cuttings
Cuttings of Eriogonum elatum can be taken during the growing season, from spring to early summer. The cuttings must be taken from the non-flowering shoots and should be about 4-6 inches long. The bottom of the cutting must be dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted in a well-drained potting mix or sandy soil. The cutting must be placed in a shaded area with high humidity and kept moist until roots develop, which may take about 4-6 weeks. Once the cutting has developed roots, it can be transplanted to a larger container or planted in the garden in a well-drained soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. villosum (Jepson) Munz ex Reveal
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. villosum (Jepson) Munz ex Reveal is a hardy and adaptable plant that typically faces minimal problems with pests and diseases. However, certain issues can still arise that may require management.
Common Diseases
The plant can be susceptible to fungal diseases, including powdery mildew and rust. Powdery mildew can cause white patches to appear on the leaves, while rust can create small, yellowish-orange blisters. To manage these diseases, it is crucial to remove and destroy any infected material and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides such as sulfur-based sprays can be applied to control the spread of powdery mildew and rust. Applying fungicides during the early stages of the disease can be beneficial.
Common Pests
Common pests that can affect Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. villosum (Jepson) Munz ex Reveal include aphids and spider mites. These pests feed on the sap of the plant, causing wilting and yellowing of leaves. Natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can help control aphids, and spray applications of insecticidal soap or horticultural oils can help control both pests. It is essential to begin treatment as soon as pests are detected to prevent escalation.
Regular inspection, proper fertilization, and watering can help keep the plant healthy and less prone to disease and pest attacks. Genetically resistant strains can also help minimize the risk of disease and pest infestations. Timely intervention and management are essential in preventing the diseases and pests from causing significant damage and reducing plant yield.
