Description of Eriogonum giganteum S. Wats.
Eriogonum giganteum S. Wats. is indigenous to California and is commonly known as St. Catherine's lace or giant wild buckwheat.
General Appearance
This plant can grow up to 10 feet tall with a spread of up to 6 feet. It has a bushy appearance with large leaves that can get up to 8 inches long and flowers that bloom in the late spring and summer.
The flowers on Eriogonum giganteum S. Wats. are small and have a white or pink hue. They bloom in clusters at the ends of the branches. The flowers eventually give way to a seed pod that resembles a buckwheat kernel, hence the common name of "wild buckwheat".
Uses
Eriogonum giganteum S. Wats. serves as an important food source for wildlife, especially for butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. It is also a popular ornamental plant used in landscaping because of its large size and showy flowers.
Native Americans have used giant wild buckwheat to make tea and to treat various ailments ranging from fever to diarrhea.
In recent times, Eriogonum giganteum S. Wats. has become an important plant species in ecological restoration projects. It is a key species for restoring the coastal sage scrub ecosystem, which has been significantly impacted by human activity in California.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum giganteum S. Wats. thrives in full sunlight and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. These plants do not tolerate shade well and may become leggy or fail to flower in low light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
Eriogonum giganteum S. Wats. are native to Mediterranean-type climates and can tolerate both warm and cool temperatures. They prefer temperatures between 60-75°F during the day and cooler temperatures, between 50-60°F, at night. Very high temperatures, above 90°F, may cause these plants to wilt or die.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum giganteum S. Wats. require well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. They can tolerate sandy or loamy soil types, as long as the soil is not waterlogged. These plants are drought-tolerant and do not require frequent watering, but will benefit from occasional deep watering during periods of prolonged drought. Fertilization is not necessary and may actually harm the plant.
Cultivation of Eriogonum giganteum S. Wats.
Eriogonum giganteum S. Wats. is a perennial herb that can grow up to four feet tall and eight feet wide. It is commonly known as St. Catherine's lace or giant wild buckwheat and is native to Southern California. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. E. giganteum prefers soil with a slightly alkaline pH, making it an ideal plant for limestone-rich soils.
Watering Needs
Although drought-tolerant, E. giganteum requires regular watering during its establishment period. Once established, this plant requires minimal watering, responding well to deep and infrequent watering. During prolonged drought periods, it is advisable to irrigate the E. giganteum to keep the soil moist. Overwatering this plant can cause root rot, leading to the plant's death.
Fertilization
It is not necessary to fertilize the E. giganteum plant regularly. However, adding a slow-release fertilizer at the start of the growing season can provide an adequate supply of minerals to the plant. Avoid applying high nitrogen fertilizers as they can promote excessive vegetative growth instead of flowering.
Pruning
E. giganteum is a woody-based plant with flowering stems that produce flowers at their tip. It is advisable to prune the spent flower stems to encourage a long blooming period. Pruning is preferably done in late winter or early spring, just before the new growth begins. This plant can withstand hard pruning, and therefore, you can cut back the old stems to within a few inches of the ground to promote new growth.
Propagation of Eriogonum giganteum S. Wats.
Eriogonum giganteum S. Wats., commonly known as Saint Catherine’s lace or giant wild buckwheat, is a herbaceous plant species that belongs to the family Polygonaceae. The plant is native to California, specifically the Channel Islands and surrounding areas. It is a popular choice among gardeners and horticulturists, thanks to its showy white to pink flowers, attractive foliage, and drought tolerance. While Eriogonum giganteum S. Wats. is mostly propagated via seeds, stem cuttings may also be used to propagate the plant.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagating Eriogonum giganteum S. Wats. is through seeds. The plant produces seeds in fair amounts and, if properly collected and stored, can retain its viability for several years. The ideal time to collect seeds is in the late summer or early fall when the fruits have dried and turned brownish. Seeds can be collected by handpicking the fruit or by collecting them on a tarp below the plant. Seeds should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place for use in the future.
Prior to sowing, seeds should be scarified, which involves breaking the seed coat to allow water to enter during germination. One effective way to scarify the seeds of Eriogonum giganteum S. Wats. is to soak them in hot tap water for 12 to 24 hours. Once scarified, seeds can be sown in a nursery bed filled with well-draining soil mixed with some compost. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water them regularly to keep the soil moist. With the right growing conditions, seeds will germinate within a few weeks, and within months, the seedlings will be ready for transplanting into their final location.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
In addition to seed propagation, Eriogonum giganteum S. Wats. can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Using stem cuttings eliminates the variability associated with seed germination and accelerates the rate of plant propagation. Taking cuttings should be done in the spring before the plant enters its active growth phase.
Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants that are free of insect infestation or any disease. The cutting should be made using a sharp, sterile knife, and should be approximately 10-15 cm long. Remove all the leaves from the bottom half of the stem, and dip the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone powder to encourage speedy and healthy root growth. The stem should be planted in a well-draining potting mix, with the bottom half of the stem buried in the soil. Keep the soil moist, but not wet, and place the pot in an area that receives bright but indirect sunlight. In about 4-6 weeks, the stem will develop roots and can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriogonum Giganteum S. Wats.
Eriogonum giganteum S. Wats., also known as St. Catherine's lace or giant wild buckwheat, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Polygonaceae family. This plant is native to the Channel Islands of California and is prized for its beautiful white or pink umbels of flowers.
Common Diseases
Eriogonum giganteum S. Wats. is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots, stem blight, and cankers that may eventually kill the plant. The fungus overwinters on infected plant debris, so clean up and dispose of plant debris in the fall to reduce the risk of infection in the next growing season.
- Root rot: Excessive watering or poor drainage can cause root rot, a fungal disease that rots the plant's roots and can lead to wilting and death. To prevent root rot, ensure the soil has good drainage and water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on the plant's leaves, which can lead to leaf drop and reduced vigor. To manage powdery mildew, keep the plant's foliage dry, prune out infected leaves, and apply a fungicide if necessary.
Common Pests
Several pests can attack Eriogonum giganteum S. Wats., including:
- Aphids: These soft-bodied insects suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to curl and distort. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, or apply insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These tiny arachnids feed on the plant's sap and can cause yellowing and stippling of the foliage. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water, prune out heavily infested branches, or apply a miticide.
- Cutworms: These larvae of nocturnal moths feed on the plant's tender foliage and can cut through stems at soil level. To manage cutworms, handpick them off the plant at night or apply an insecticide.
Proactive management strategies like removing weeds, providing proper irrigation, and monitoring the plant regularly can help prevent pest and disease problems. Proper plant hygiene, choosing healthy plants, and providing adequate nutrition can also help the plant withstand disease and pest stress.
