Overview
Eriogonum glandulosum (Nutt.) Nutt. ex Benth. var. carneum J.T. Howell, commonly known as Pink-flowered Sulfur Buckwheat, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Buckwheat family, Polygonaceae. It is a perennial herbaceous plant native to western North America and is distributed across California, Oregon, Nevada, and Utah. The plant is adapted to grow in arid and semi-arid regions and can be found growing in sandy and rocky soils, chaparral, sagebrush, and pinyon-juniper communities.
Description
Eriogonum glandulosum var. carneum is a small perennial plant that can grow up to 30 cm tall and 60 cm wide. It has a woody base and numerous erect or spreading stems that are covered in glandular hairs. The leaves are small, gray-green, and woolly, and are usually located at the base of the plant. The distinct flower clusters of Eriogonum glandulosum var. carneum are composed of numerous small pink, light orange or yellow flowers with five petals that are densely packed and typically bloom from June to September.
Uses
Eriogonum glandulosum var. carneum is commonly used as an ornamental plant in xeriscape gardens and landscaping in western North America. The plant attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an important part of the local ecosystem. The Native American tribes, including the Paiute and Shoshone, have used sulfur buckwheat as a traditional medicinal plant to treat various ailments, including coughs, colds, sore throats, and digestive problems.
Threats
Eriogonum glandulosum var. carneum is generally not endangered and commonly found in its native habitat. However, like other native plants, it is at risk due to habitat loss and fragmentation caused by human activities such as mining, oil and gas drilling, road construction, and urban development. Invasive plant species also pose a threat by outcompeting and displacing native plant species and altering the ecosystem balance. It is crucial to preserve and protect native plant species, like Eriogonum glandulosum var. carneum, to maintain the ecological balance and biodiversity in western North America.
Growth Conditions for Eriogonum glandulosum (Nutt.) Nutt. ex Benth. var. carneum J.T. Howell
Light: The Eriogonum glandulosum var. carneum prefers full sun to partial shade. Its natural habitat is open grasslands, rocky slopes, and dry washes with plenty of sunlight.
Temperature: This plant grows best in hot and dry conditions, so it is well-suited to regions with high summer temperatures. While it can tolerate some frost, it prefers warmer climates with temperatures ranging from 65 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil: This plant thrives in well-drained soils that are low in organic matter and rich in mineral content. It prefers soils that are loamy or sandy rather than clayey. A pH range of 6.0 to 8.0 is ideal for this plant.
Water: Eriogonum glandulosum var. carneum is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with little water. It requires occasional watering during the hot and dry summer months, and it can adapt to both dry and moist soils.
Fertilizer: Eriogonum glandulosum var. carneum does not require regular fertilization. In fact, excessive nutrients can lead to dense foliage and reduced flower production.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Seeds can be sown directly into the soil in early spring or late fall. Cuttings can also be taken in the late spring or early summer.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum glandulosum (Nutt.) Nutt. ex Benth. var. carneum J.T. Howell can be cultivated by either sowing seeds or transplanting mature plants into a well-draining, sandy soil. The plant prefers a location with full sunlight exposure and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
When sowing seeds, it is best to stratify them first by keeping them in the refrigerator for several weeks before planting. The seeds can then be planted shallowly in the soil and kept moist until germination occurs. For mature plant transplantation, be sure to dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant's root system and water the soil deeply before planting.
Watering Needs
Eriogonum glandulosum (Nutt.) Nutt. ex Benth. var. carneum J.T. Howell typically prefers dry conditions and can be watered moderately only when required. It is essential not to overwater the plant, as this can cause root rot and other issues. During the dormant period, the plant should only be watered sparingly.
It is recommended to water Eriogonum glandulosum (Nutt.) Nutt. ex Benth. var. carneum J.T. Howell deeply and infrequently. The plant can survive for long periods without water, making it an excellent choice for dry gardens or areas with low rainfall. In hotter conditions, consider watering the plant early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun's intensity is reduced.
Fertilization
Eriogonum glandulosum (Nutt.) Nutt. ex Benth. var. carneum J.T. Howell's unique ability to thrive in poor soil makes it unnecessary to fertilize the plant. Adding too much fertilizer can lead to excessive growth and weakens the plant's resilience to pests and diseases.
However, if you must fertilize, use a mild, slow-release fertilizer and follow the manufacturer's instructions. It is best to fertilize in the early spring when the plant is coming out of dormancy. Avoid fertilizing during the hot summer months as the plant may be stressed due to elevated temperatures and low water availability.
Pruning
Eriogonum glandulosum (Nutt.) Nutt. ex Benth. var. carneum J.T. Howell generally does not require pruning unless you aim to control its size or shape. Pruning is best done in the early spring before the plant has begun to grow. Remove any dead or damaged branches or leaves or any growth that detracts from the plant's overall appearance.
It is essential to ensure your pruning tools are clean and sharp to prevent any damage to the plant. Avoid pruning during flowering periods as this can disrupt the plant's ability to attract pollinators.
Propagation of Eriogonum glandulosum var. carneum
Eriogonum glandulosum var. carneum can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings.
Propagation through seeds:
Seeds of Eriogonum glandulosum var. carneum can be collected in the fall when the plant has set seed. These seeds can be planted directly in the garden bed or started in containers and later transplanted. Seeds germinate best when sown in the fall or early winter, and they need a period of cold stratification before they will sprout. For best results, sow the seeds on the soil surface and lightly press them into the soil so that they are in firm contact with the surface. Keep the soil consistently moist and in a cool room or a refrigerator until the seeds have germinated.
Propagation through cuttings:
Eriogonum glandulosum var. carneum can also be propagated through softwood cuttings taken in the summer. Take cuttings from new growth that has not yet become woody. Cuttings should be about 3-4 inches long and taken from the tips of the plant. Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the stem and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a mixture of peat moss and perlite or vermiculite and keep in a warm, humid location. The cutting should root within a few weeks, and once well rooted, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the garden bed.
Disease Management
Eriogonum glandulosum (Nutt.) Nutt. ex Benth. var. carneum J.T. Howell, commonly known as the Pink-flowered Sulfur Buckwheat, is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, it is susceptible to some diseases that can affect its growth and overall health.
One of the most common diseases that afflict Eriogonum glandulosum var. carneum is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that forms a white, powdery substance on the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering and promote good air circulation around the plant. If powdery mildew is present, remove and dispose of infected plant material, and use a fungicide if necessary.
Another disease that can affect Eriogonum glandulosum var. carneum is root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the plant's roots, leading to wilting, yellowing of leaves, and death. To prevent root rot, ensure proper drainage and do not overwater the plant. If root rot is present, remove the infected plant material, prune back any diseased roots, and improve drainage in the planting area.
Pest Management
Eriogonum glandulosum var. carneum is also relatively pest-resistant. However, some pests can cause damage to the plant, affecting its growth and overall health.
One of the most common pests that can affect Eriogonum glandulosum var. carneum is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing of leaves and a stippled appearance on the plant's surface. To prevent spider mites, maintain good plant hygiene, and avoid overhead watering. If spider mites are present, use insecticidal soap or a miticide to control them.
Another pest that can damage Eriogonum glandulosum var. carneum is the aphid. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause significant damage to leaves and flowers. To prevent aphids, encourage natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings, and use insecticidal soap if necessary.
In conclusion, by practicing good plant hygiene, promoting proper drainage, and using the appropriate control measures, it is possible to prevent and manage the diseases and pests that can affect Eriogonum glandulosum var. carneum, ensuring that this beautiful plant can thrive in your garden or landscape.
