Origin
Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. foliolosum (Nutt.) S. Stokes, commonly known as California Buckwheat, is a flowering plant that is native to California, Arizona, and northern Mexico. It has been found growing in abundance in dry, sandy, and rocky soils in areas with low rainfall and high temperatures.
Common Names
California Buckwheat is commonly known by various other names including Eastern Mojave Buckwheat, Flat Top Buckwheat, Gray Buckwheat, Red Top Buckwheat, or simply Buckwheat. Its botanical name Eriogonum fasciculatum means "woolly clusters," and refers to the plant's dense, woolly inflorescences, while the Latin epithet foliolosum translates to "with leaflets," referring to the plant's distinctive leaves.
Uses
The plant has been used by indigenous people for many centuries for medicinal purposes. The leaves and flowers are used to treat a variety of ailments including colds, fevers, stomach pain, and skin infections. In addition to its medicinal uses, some native tribes used the plant to make traditional clothing, baskets, and other useful items. Today, it is a popular ornamental plant, prized for its attractive flowers and drought-tolerant nature. It is also an important plant for wildlife, providing food and habitat for various insects, birds, and mammals.
General Appearance
California Buckwheat is a shrub that grows up to 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide. It is evergreen, with woody stems and narrow, linear leaves that are about 1/8 to 1/2 inch wide and up to 2 inches long. The leaves are gray-green and covered in dense, woolly hairs that protect them from moisture loss and harsh weather conditions. The plant blooms from spring to fall, producing clusters of small, pink to white flowers that are about 1/8 inch wide. The flowers are held on long stems and are rich in nectar, attracting many pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. After the flowers fade, they are replaced by small, reddish-brown seeds that are a valuable food source for birds and small mammals.
Light Requirements:
Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. foliolosum (Nutt.) S. Stokes typically grows in areas where it receives plenty of full sun exposure. This plant thrives in areas with direct sunlight for at least six hours per day. It is not suitable for shaded sites, as it requires a lot of direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements:
Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. foliolosum (Nutt.) S. Stokes grows well in different temperature conditions, including extreme temperature ranges. It can survive temperatures of up to 120 °F (48 °C). However, it does best in temperate regions where the temperature rarely exceeds 95 °F (35 °C). During the winter, this plant withstands temperatures as low as 0 °F (-18 °C).
Soil Requirements:
Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. foliolosum (Nutt.) S. Stokes thrives in well-drained soil types. It grows well in sandy, loamy, or clay soils, and requires a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. This plant adapts to arid areas and can grow in poor soils with low moisture. However, it requires regular watering to grow superbly.
Cultivation Methods for Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. foliolosum (Nutt.) S. Stokes
Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. foliolosum (Nutt.) S. Stokes, also known as California buckwheat, is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in areas with dry, rocky soils, and full sun exposure. It is native to California and is commonly found in the coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. For optimal growth and health of Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. foliolosum, it is necessary to follow some specific cultivation techniques.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings and prefers to grow in well-draining soil with a pH level between 5.5 and 7.5. The planting location must be in an area with full sunlight exposure, and the soil must be rocky and dry. It is best to avoid planting in areas with high humidity or rainfall as it can cause root rot and other fungal infections.
Watering Needs for Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. foliolosum (Nutt.) S. Stokes
Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. foliolosum requires limited watering as it is a drought-tolerant plant. The plant can go a long time without being watered once it has become established. It is best to water the plant sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry.
It is recommended to water the plant deeply and ensure that the water reaches the root system. Overwatering can cause root rot and other fungal infections, which can cause severe damage to the plant.
Fertilization for Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. foliolosum (Nutt.) S. Stokes
Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. foliolosum does not require frequent fertilization as it can thrive on poor soil. However, applying a balanced fertilizer during the planting stage can improve the soil's quality and promote healthy growth.
It is recommended to use a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage the development of strong roots and enhance the plant's overall health. Overfertilization can cause excessive growth, which can attract pests and diseases.
Pruning for Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. foliolosum (Nutt.) S. Stokes
Pruning is not necessary for Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. foliolosum. However, if the plant becomes too bushy, it is recommended to perform a light pruning during the fall or winter months. This can help maintain the plant's shape and encourage new growth.
It is best to use sharp, clean pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant. It is also recommended to clean the pruning blades with rubbing alcohol before and after each use to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. foliolosum (Nutt.) S. Stokes
Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. foliolosum (Nutt.) S. Stokes can be propagated through various methods which include:
Seed Propagation
The plant can be propagated through seeds collected from the mother plant. The best time to collect seeds is when the fruit turns brown and starts to split open. The collected seeds should be cleaned and allowed to dry for storage or sowing. Seeds can be sown indoors in containers or directly in the field in early fall or early spring. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until germination. Seedlings should be allowed to grow for at least one year before transplanting.
Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings can be done from stem cuttings taken from the mother plant. Cuttings are best taken in the spring from new growth. The cuttings should be approximately 6 inches long, with leaves removed from the lower half. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in shaded sunlight for the first few weeks. It takes about 6 to 8 weeks for the cuttings to develop roots.
Division
The plant can also be propagated through the division of the existing plant. This method involves digging up the plant and separating the roots into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least one stem and an adequate amount of roots. Each section should be planted in an appropriate location and kept moist until established.
Disease Management
While Eriogonum fasciculatum ssp. foliolosum is relatively resistant to disease, it can still fall victim to several fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. Powdery mildew can appear as whitish-gray patches on plant leaves and stems and is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. Rust can also attack leaves, causing the underside of the leaf to turn yellowish-brown and develop pustules. The fungal pathogen Puccinia monoica is responsible for rust in Eriogonum fasciculatum ssp. foliolosum.
To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering and keep the plant well-ventilated. Fungicides such as sulfur or potassium bicarbonate may be used to control small amounts of powdery mildew. If rust appears, ensure that the plant is well-watered and fertilized with a balanced fertilizer to improve its overall health. Remove any infected plant material and dispose of it away from the garden to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides may also be applied to control rust but should be used in combination with other cultural practices.
Pest Management
Eriogonum fasciculatum ssp. foliolosum can also be impacted by various pests including aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant and can cause leaves to curl and become distorted. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that also feed on the sap of the plant and cause leaves to become stippled or discolored. Thrips are small insects that feed on the plant tissue, causing leaves to become distorted and discolored as well.
To manage aphids, blast them off the plant with a strong spray of water or use insecticidal soap or neem oil. For spider mites or thrips, release predatory insects such as ladybugs or lacewings or use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ensure that the plant is well-watered and fertilized to improve its overall health, making it more able to withstand pest attacks. In severe cases, chemical pesticides may be used as a last resort but should only be used according to label instructions and in combination with other cultural practices.
