Description of Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. var. elatum
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. var. elatum is a flowering plant that is native to North America. It is commonly known as the Tall Eriogonum or the Elko Buckwheat.
General Appearance
The Tall Eriogonum is a subshrub that can grow up to 3 feet tall. Its stems are woody and its leaves are narrow and elongated, with a gray-green color. The flowers are small and appear in clusters that are pink, cream, or white in color.
Habitat and Distribution
The Tall Eriogonum is predominantly found in Nevada and California, but it is also native to parts of Oregon and Idaho. It is commonly found in rocky areas, sagebrush scrubland, and open forests.
Traditional Uses
Indigenous people in North America used various parts of the plant for medicinal purposes, such as treating diarrhea and stomach aches. In addition, some tribes used it for making baskets and clothing. The plant also serves as a food source for some animal species, including bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
Cultivation
The Tall Eriogonum is a relatively easy plant to grow, as long as it is grown in a well-draining soil and provided with full sun exposure. It is drought-tolerant and does not require excessive watering. The plant is also attractive to pollinators, making it an excellent addition to a pollinator garden.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. var. elatum grows best in full sun. It is a species adapted to intense solar radiation and is commonly found in open areas or slopes that receive direct sunlight for most of the day. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight is necessary for the plant to thrive, and if possible access to the morning sun is preferred. Partial shade is tolerated but is not optimal and will reduce the flowering and growth of the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant is adaptable to a variety of soil types. However, it prefers well-draining soils that are sandy, loamy, or rocky with low organic matter content. The plant has a shallow root system, and waterlogging should always be avoided as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is preferred, although it can tolerate mildly acidic to slightly alkaline soils. Soil preparation before planting is essential to ensure good drainage.
Temperature Requirements
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. var. elatum is native to regions of North America that experience temperature extremes, including hot summers and cold winters. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate temperatures as low as -22°F (-30°C) and as high as 104°F (40°C). The plant is winter dormant and has adapted to survive long periods of drought through a deep root system that allows access to groundwater. In areas with harsh winters, the plant may benefit from a layer of mulch to protect the roots from frost heave.
Cultivation
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. var. elatum, also known as tall wild buckwheat, is a herbaceous perennial plant that thrives in dry, gritty, and well-draining soils. It grows best in full sun and prefers a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. The plant is hardy and can tolerate heat, drought, and cold temperatures. It can be propagated through seeds or division of mature plants.
Watering Needs
Watering should be done sparingly. Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive extended periods of dryness once established. Watering should be done deeply but infrequently, and the soil should be allowed to dry out between watering cycles.
Fertilization
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. var. elatum does not require frequent fertilization. Overfertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flower production. A slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer can be applied during the plant's active growing season. However, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations closely to avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning
Pruning should be done after the flowering season to shape the plant and promote bushier growth habits. Deadheading of spent blooms is recommended to encourage repeat blooming throughout the growing season. Additionally, any diseased, damaged, or crossing branches should be removed to prevent the spread of disease and improve the plant's overall health.
Propagation of Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. var. elatum
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. var. elatum, commonly known as tall or wild buckwheat, is an herbaceous perennial plant native to western North America. Propagation of this plant can be done through different methods such as seeds, cuttings, and division.
Seed Propagation
Propagation by seeds is the most common and easiest method. The seeds can be collected from the plant when they are mature and dry. To increase the germination rates, the seeds should be stratified at temperatures ranging from 33-41°F for 30-60 days. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in a prepared bed with well-draining soil as soon as the soil is warm in spring or fall. The seeds will germinate in 5-14 days, and the seedlings can be transplanted into their permanent location when they reach a suitable size.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is a useful method for propagating Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. var. elatum as it can increase the genetic uniformity of the resulting plants. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, well-established plants in late spring or early summer when new growth is visible. The cuttings should have at least one or two nodes and be around 4-6 inches long. Dip the cuttings into rooting hormone and put them in a container filled with moist sand or vermiculite mix, kept under humid conditions with indirect light. After four to six weeks, the cuttings should have formed roots and can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Division Propagation
Propagation through division is best done in the spring or fall. Carefully dig up the parent plant and using a sharp, sterile knife, divide the clump into two to three sections, making sure each section has a healthy root system. Plant each section in a hole with well-draining soil and water well to help the roots become established. It is recommended to divide the plants every two to three years to help maintain the plant's health and vigor.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. var. elatum
Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. var. elatum is a native plant in North America. The plant is tolerant of most soil types and is drought resistant, making it an excellent plant for dry types of gardens. However, like any plant, it is not immune to disease and pests. Here are a few common diseases and pests that can affect Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. var. elatum and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Root Rot: Root rot can occur when the plant is in soils that are too wet or poorly drained. To manage root rot, ensure that the soil is well-drained and the plant is not overwatered.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that can affect Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. var. elatum. It looks like white powder on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, prune any infected leaves and stems and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that appears as brown spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage leaf spot, remove any infected leaves and stems and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause damage to the plant by sucking the sap from its leaves and stems. To manage aphids, wash the plant with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap or oil.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause damage to the plant by sucking the sap from its leaves and stems. They often cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap or oil.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, immobile pests that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant. They suck sap from the plant and can cause it to weaken and die. To manage scale insects, prune any infected leaves and stems and treat the plant with an insecticide.
In conclusion, by providing proper care and treatment, Eriogonum elatum Dougl. ex Benth. var. elatum can be a healthy and beautiful addition to any garden.
