Origin
Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray ssp. thornei (Reveal & Henrickson) Thorne, commonly known as Thorne's buckwheat, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Polygonaceae. This perennial plant is native to the southwestern United States and can be found growing in California, Nevada, and Arizona.
Common Names
Thorne's buckwheat is commonly known by its scientific name, but it is also known by other common names such as Thorne's wild buckwheat, Thorne's cliff buckwheat, and Thorne's eriogonum.
Uses
Thorne's buckwheat is mainly used for ornamental purposes as it produces attractive flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and yellow, depending on the variety. It can be grown in containers or planted in rock gardens, meadows, and other natural landscapes that receive full sun exposure. Additionally, Thorne's buckwheat is known to be drought-tolerant, making it a perfect plant for xeriscaping.
General Appearance
Thorne's buckwheat is a low-growing perennial plant that typically reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet tall with a similar spread. The plant produces dense clusters of small, winged flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers are held above the plant on long peduncles and range in color from pink to red, white, and yellow. The leaves of Thorne's buckwheat are small, narrow, and needle-like, and are green to grayish-green in color. The plant usually grows in clumps and has a bushy, mounded habit that can quickly cover areas of the garden.
Growth Conditions of Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray ssp. thornei (Reveal & Henrickson) Thorne
Light
Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray ssp. thornei typically grows in areas with a lot of direct sunlight, such as open fields, meadows, and on rocky slopes. It can tolerate light shade but may not grow as vigorously in areas with limited sunlight.Temperature
Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray ssp. thornei is native to the southwestern United States and can tolerate a range of temperatures. It prefers hot, dry summers and cool winters, with an average temperature range of 50-95°F (10-35°C).Soil
Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray ssp. thornei prefers well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil with a pH range of 5.5-8.5. It can tolerate a range of soil textures but does not typically grow well in heavy clay soils or areas with poor drainage.Water
Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray ssp. thornei is drought-tolerant and can survive with minimal water once established. It prefers dry to moderate soil moisture and can be damaged by overwatering or standing water.Nutrients
Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray ssp. thornei does not require fertilization and can grow well in nutrient-poor soils. However, it may benefit from occasional applications of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if grown in nutrient-depleted or disturbed soils.Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray ssp. thornei (Reveal & Henrickson) Thorne, commonly known as Thorne's buckwheat, is a herbaceous perennial that grows well in dry, rocky soils found in arid regions. It prefers to be grown in full sun and well-draining, sandy or rocky soil. It is propagated through seed or root division, and the plant should be planted in the spring or fall.
Watering Needs
Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray ssp. thornei does not tolerate wet soils, so it is important to allow the soil to dry between waterings. During periods of drought, it is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be deadly to the plant.
Fertilization
Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray ssp. thornei is a low-maintenance plant that generally does not require fertilization. However, adding a small amount of fertilizer during the spring growing season can encourage healthy growth. Fertilizers with a low nitrogen content, such as a 5-10-10 or 5-10-5 formula, are recommended.
Pruning
Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray ssp. thornei does not require pruning but can benefit from deadheading. Deadheading is the practice of removing spent flowers before they can produce seeds. This encourages the plant to produce more flowers and can extend the flowering period. Pruning can also be done in the fall to remove any dead or damaged foliage before winter sets in.
Propagation of Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray ssp. thornei (Reveal & Henrickson) Thorne
Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray ssp. thornei (Reveal & Henrickson) Thorne can be propagated by seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray ssp. thornei (Reveal & Henrickson) Thorne can be sown directly into the soil, preferably during the fall season. The seeds should be sown about 1/8 inch deep in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination may take between 2 to 4 weeks, and the seedlings should be thinned out to a spacing of about 6 inches apart.
Propagation by Cuttings
The cuttings of Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray ssp. thornei (Reveal & Henrickson) Thorne should be taken during the summer months. Softwood cuttings are recommended, with a length of about 3-4 inches. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. Remove the bottom half of the leaves and dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until roots start to form. This may take between 4-6 weeks. Once roots have formed, the new plants can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Disease Management for Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray ssp. thornei (Reveal & Henrickson) Thorne
Effective disease management is a crucial aspect of maintaining the health and vitality of Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray ssp. thornei. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and suggestions on how to manage them:
Leaf Spot
Leaf Spot is a common fungal disease that affects Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray ssp. thornei. The disease appears as circular, dark-colored spots on the leaves, ultimately causing defoliation of the plant. To manage this disease, the affected plant parts should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides containing copper or sulfur may be sprayed on the plant for effective control.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray ssp. thornei, leading to wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. To prevent this disease, it's essential to avoid overwatering and ensure excellent drainage of the soil. Infected plants should be removed immediately and destroyed. In severe cases, fungicides containing azoxystrobin or thiophanate-methyl can be applied to the soil.
Pest Management for Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray ssp. thornei (Reveal & Henrickson) Thorne
Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray ssp. thornei can attract various pests that can cause severe damage to the plant. Here are some common pests and suggestions on how to manage them:
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth of the plant. The infestation can be managed by washing the plant with cold water or by spraying insecticidal soap or neem oil. It's essential to provide adequate airflow around the plant to prevent spider mite infestations.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are voracious eaters that can cause severe defoliation of Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray ssp. thornei. Handpicking the worms is the most effective way of managing their infestation. You can also use Bacillus thuringiensis, a natural insecticide bacterium, to eliminate the caterpillars.
Thrips
Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing massive feeding damage that can stunt the plant's growth. Yellowing, distorted growth, and flower discoloration are signs of thrip infestations. The pests can be controlled by regularly checking the plant for infestation and spraying insecticidal soap or neem oil on the plant.
