Overview
Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray var. pulchrum (Eastw.) Reveal, also known as the beautiful heath buckwheat, is a flowering plant species in the family Polygonaceae. It is native to the western United States, particularly in California, where it can be found in open grasslands, chaparral, and in the foothills and mountains.
Appearance
The beautiful heath buckwheat is a mat-like shrub that grows up to 6 inches high and 2-3 feet wide. It has a dense cluster of small, narrow leaves that are grayish-green, measuring approximately 0.2 to 0.4 inches long. The plant produces small white or pink flowers, which are grouped together in tight clusters at the end of thin, wiry stems that grow up to 10 inches tall. The flowers give way to small, dark-brown fruits.
Common names
Besides its scientific name, Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray var. pulchrum, this plant is known by several other common names such as beautiful heath buckwheat, heath buckwheat, and Erica-leaved Buckwheat.
Uses
The beautiful heath buckwheat is widely used in horticulture as a drought-tolerant ground cover. It is also used in restoration projects to reclaim degraded and damaged lands. The plant provides habitat and forage for wild animals, including birds and insects. Some native tribes in California used different parts of the plant for medicinal purposes.
Light
Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray var. pulchrum prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, but flowering and fruiting will be less abundant in shady areas.
Temperature
This plant is native to the western United States and thrives in a dry, arid environment. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but preferably in areas where the mean annual temperature ranges from 5 to 27 °C. It can also tolerate freezing temperatures but may suffer damage during severe cold spells.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray var. pulchrum prefers well-draining soils and is commonly found growing in sandy or rocky soils. It can also tolerate clay soils as long as they are well-drained. The ideal pH level for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 to 7.5).
Cultivation
Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray var. pulchrum, commonly known as Wild Buckwheat, is a perennial western North American native, found in various regions, including California, Arizona, and Oregon. This plant prefers well-drained soil, with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. It is drought-tolerant and can withstand temperatures as low as -10°F. This species can be propagated by seeds or cuttings, although cuttings are more straightforward to propagate. The best-growing position for this species is in full sun.
Watering Needs
Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray var. pulchrum, like most desert plants, prefers well-drained soil that does not retain water. Extra watering should only be done until the plant is established, after which only minimal watering is required. Overwatering should be avoided, as this can damage the roots or cause the plant to rot.
Fertilization
Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray var. pulchrum grows well on the scarce soil but benefits from a light application of balanced fertilizers during the growing season, but excessive use of fertilizers should be avoided.
Pruning
Pruning should be done selectively to promote healthy growth and maintain the shape of the plant. Pruning should be done in spring before the rapid growth period. The aim of pruning is to remove dead, damaged, or diseased material. Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray var. pulchrum does well with minimal care, as it is drought-tolerant and can withstand harsh conditions.
Propagation of Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray var. pulchrum (Eastw.) Reveal
Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray var. pulchrum (Eastw.) Reveal, commonly known as "shasta buckwheat," is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Polygonaceae. It is a native plant to California, specifically to the Klamath Ranges and the Sierra Nevada.
Propagation is generally done through seed germination. The seeds of Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray var. pulchrum can be collected from the plant in late summer to early fall. The collected seeds can be stored and sown in the spring, after the last frost date. Scarification or soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours can help improve germination rates.
Sowing the seeds in well-draining soil, about 3-4 mm deep, and watering regularly until established can ensure good growth. The ideal soil pH should range from 5.5 to 6.5, with a soil type of sandy loam or loamy sand. Fertilizers can be applied, but care should be taken so as not to over-fertilize the plant as it may reduce its overall health.
Division is another method of propagation that can be done by separating the clumps from the mother plant during the fall season. The separated clumps can then be transplanted to a pot or directly to the garden bed. The soil should be kept moist until new leaves emerge.
Disease Management for Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray var. pulchrum (Eastw.) Reveal
One common disease that affects Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray var. pulchrum is leaf spot. Symptoms of a leaf spot infection include small, circular lesions that may be tan, gray, or brown in color and appear on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, it is recommended to remove infected leaves and provide adequate spacing between plants to improve air circulation.
Another disease that can affect this plant is powdery mildew. This fungal disease causes a gray or white coating on the leaves or stems. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to increase air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides if necessary.
Pest Management for Eriogonum ericifolium Torr. & Gray var. pulchrum (Eastw.) Reveal
Aphids are a common pest that can affect this plant. These small insects feed on the plant's sap and can cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage aphids, it is recommended to spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge the insects, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Spider mites are another pest that can be problematic for this plant. These tiny arachnids feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing and webbing. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to increase humidity around the plant, provide adequate watering, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
