Origin
Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. polifolium (Benth.) S. Stokes is a subspecies of Eriogonum fasciculatum, commonly known as California buckwheat. This subspecies is native to California, specifically to the coastal regions of central and southern parts. It can also be found in parts of Baja California, Mexico.
Common Names
Some of the common names for Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. polifolium include California Buckwheat, Flattop Buckwheat, and Many-leaved Buckwheat.
Uses
Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. polifolium has significant ecological value as it is a major source of food for native wildlife such as butterflies, bees, and birds. The plant is also used for landscaping and as a ground cover in gardens due to its low maintenance and drought tolerance.
General Appearance
Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. polifolium is a small shrub that typically grows up to 2-3 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide. It has multiple branches with thin and twisted stems that are densely covered in small, ovate-shaped green leaves. From May to October, the plant produces clusters of tiny white to pink flowers that attract pollinators. The flowers then turn into a reddish-brown, triangular-shaped fruit. The plant has a rounded and compact shape that becomes flatter with age.
Light requirements
Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. polifolium requires full sunlight to grow properly. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but the growth rate may slow down and the plant may produce fewer flowers.
Temperature requirements
Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. polifolium is native to California and is well adapted to a Mediterranean climate. The plant can tolerate temperatures ranging from 30°F (-1°C) to 100°F (38°C). The plant is well adapted to dry and warm summers.
Soil requirements
Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. polifolium prefers well-drained and sandy soil. The plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and gravelly soils. The plant prefers a soil pH range between 6.0 and 8.0. The plant can tolerate drought conditions and is well adapted to arid environments.
Cultivation Methods for Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. polifolium (Benth.) S. Stokes
Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. polifolium (Benth.) S. Stokes, also known as California Buckwheat, is a drought-resistant plant that is relatively easy to grow. When planting, choose a dry, rocky area with good drainage and full sun exposure. The plant prefers a soil pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 and can tolerate temperatures ranging from 20 to 100°F.
The seeds can be sown directly into the soil during the fall or spring when the soil has warmed up. The seedlings should be thinned out to avoid overcrowding. You can also propagate the plant through cuttings taken during the summer. Once the plant has established, it requires little care besides occasional watering.
Watering Needs for Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. polifolium (Benth.) S. Stokes
Although Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. polifolium (Benth.) S. Stokes is drought-resistant, you must water newly planted seeds frequently until they sprout and establish roots. After that, the plant requires little watering, except in extreme drought conditions. If you must water your plant, it is best to do it deeply once a week, rather than regular shallow watering. This helps to encourage deep roots.
Fertilization for Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. polifolium (Benth.) S. Stokes
Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. polifolium (Benth.) S. Stokes does not require a lot of fertilizer. If you are growing the plant in a nutrient-deficient soil, you may need to apply a slow-release fertilizer that contains potassium and phosphorus during the growing season.
Pruning for Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. polifolium (Benth.) S. Stokes
Pruning of Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. polifolium (Benth.) S. Stokes is not required. The plant's natural shape is attractive, and pruning is likely to damage the plant. However, if you want to encourage bushier growth, you can trim the tips of the growing stems during the first year of growth. This will help the plant to produce more side branches and a denser foliage.
Propagation Methods of Eriogonum Fasciculatum Benth. ssp. Polifolium (Benth.) S. Stokes
Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. polifolium (Benth.) S. Stokes, commonly known as California buckwheat, is a native plant of Southern California. It is a popular landscaping plant due to its ornamental value, low maintenance requirements, and drought tolerance. Propagation of E. fasciculatum can be done either by seed or vegetatively.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation of E. fasciculatum by seed is relatively easy and the most common method. The plant produces numerous small black seeds annually that can be collected in late summer or early fall. Collecting the seeds is as simple as picking them off the plant before they fall. The collected seed must be cleaned and stored in a cool and dry place until planting time. Before planting, the seeds should be stratified for four to six weeks at temperatures between 40°F and 50°F to enhance their germination rate. After stratification, plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mix at a depth of around 1/8 inch. The seeds will germinate in two to three weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
E. fasciculatum can also be propagated by vegetative means using stem cuttings. Stem cutting propagation is most successful in spring and early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate using stem cuttings, select a healthy stem without flowers and cut it to a length of around six inches. Remove the leaves except for the top two, and apply rooting hormone to the bottom end of the cutting. Insert the cutting into moist soil, and keep it in a shaded and humid area. Make sure to keep the soil moist and roots will form within six to eight weeks. Once roots have formed, transplant the cutting to the garden bed, making sure to not disturb the roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriogonum Fasciculatum Benth. ssp. Polifolium (Benth.) S. Stokes
Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. polifolium is a shrub commonly known as California Buckwheat. This plant is generally resistant to diseases and pests. However, some factors can still cause harm, which adversely affects the plant growth and yield. Therefore, it's essential to identify and manage any potential threats promptly. Here are some of the common diseases and pests and the methods to manage them:
Diseases
Crown Rot – Crown rot is caused by a soil-borne fungus known as Phytophthora cinnamomi. The fungus typically attacks the root system, leading to plant death. The disease is prevalent in poorly drained soils. To manage crown rot, it's vital to avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage. Additionally, using disease-resistant cultivars is advisable.
Anthracnose – Anthracnose is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum acutatum. The disease manifests as circular, sunken spots on the leaves, stem, and fruits. The infected parts may turn brown and eventually die. To manage anthracnose, it's essential to plant disease-resistant cultivars and maintain good sanitation practices. Cleaning and pruning infected parts and keeping the field clean may reduce the disease's spread.
Leaf Spot – Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Phoma exigua. It is characterized by circular, gray lesions on the leaf surface. These lesions may be small or large and may have a reddish-brown border. The affected leaves may eventually turn yellow and fall off. To manage leaf spot, it's vital to keep the plants well-ventilated and avoid overhead irrigation. Additionally, applying a fungicide may help control the disease, especially during rainy periods.
Pests
Spider Mites – Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves and cause stunted growth, yellowing, and leaf drop. These mites are typically prevalent during hot and dry weather. To manage spider mites, it's essential to maintain good field hygiene by removing any debris or weeds that may harbor the pests. Additionally, regularly spraying the plants with water or insecticides may help control the spider mites.
Leafhoppers – Leafhoppers are small, quick-moving insects that cause damage by sucking out the sap from the leaves. This damage may result in stunted growth and leaf curling. To manage leafhoppers, it's essential to maintain good weed control, as they often use weeds as a host. Additionally, applying an insecticide or a neem oil spray may help control the pest.
Scale Insects – Scale insects are tiny, hard-shelled insects that attach themselves to the plant's stem and leaves and suck sap. This pest can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage the scale insects, it's vital to keep the field clean and remove any debris that may provide a hiding place for the pests. Additionally, using an insecticide may help control the pest.
In summary, Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth. ssp. polifolium is a generally hardy and resistant plant. However, some diseases and pests may still affect it, leading to reduced plant growth and yield. Identifying and managing diseases and pests promptly is essential to ensure optimal plant growth and yield.
