Overview
Eriogonum gracile Benth. var. incultum Reveal is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Polygonaceae. This plant is native to North America and is commonly known as Slender Buckwheat. It is a herbaceous perennial plant that is primarily found in the western United States.
General Appearance
Slender Buckwheat is a small plant that typically grows to a height of about 25 cm. The leaves of this plant are elongated and have a grayish-green color. The flowers are small and clustered together in dense clusters that grow on slender stems. The flowers are generally pink or white in color and bloom from July to August.
Uses
Eriogonum gracile Benth. var. incultum Reveal is primarily planted to restore degraded natural habitats. The root system of this plant is extensive and helps to prevent soil erosion, making it ideal for planting in areas prone to soil erosion. This plant is also used as a food source for wildlife, especially for bees and butterflies that are attracted to its nectar-rich flowers.
Origin and Distribution
Slender Buckwheat is native to North America and is primarily found in the western United States. It is commonly found in dry meadows, open woodlands, and rocky slopes. This plant can be spotted in regions such as California, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, and Idaho.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum gracile Benth. var. incultum requires full sun exposure to thrive. It cannot tolerate shady areas or partial sun conditions. Therefore, planting the species in an open space with direct sunlight is recommended.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is well adapted to dry, hot and sunny temperature conditions. Eriogonum gracile Benth. var. incultum prefers to grow in areas with long, hot summers and short, mild winters. It is hardy to USDA zones 6-8, with temperatures ranging between 0 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 C to 38 C).
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils with moderate to low fertility. It can tolerate rocky or gravelly soil types with low moisture retention capacity. The pH range for the ideal soil is between 6.0 to 8.0, with a preference for neutral to alkaline soils. The plant does not thrive in clay or heavy soils that hold water for extended periods.
Cultivation and Care of Eriogonum gracile Benth. var. incultum Reveal
Eriogonum gracile Benth. var. incultum Reveal is a hardy plant that is typically found in desert regions. If you plan to cultivate this plant, then it's important to choose the right location for it. The plant thrives in dry, well-drained soils and requires full sun exposure to grow strong and develop vibrant flowers.
Watering Needs
As with most desert plants, Eriogonum gracile Benth. var. incultum Reveal has very low watering needs. In fact, over-watering can be detrimental to this plant's health. Ideally, the plant should receive water once every week or two weeks, depending on the level of rainfall in your area. Before watering, make sure the soil is completely dry as any moisture can cause the roots to rot.
Fertilization
Eriogonum gracile Benth. var. incultum Reveal is relatively low maintenance and typically does not require heavy fertilization. That said, the plant will benefit from some mild fertilization once a year, preferably during the growing season. Use a slow-release fertilizer and ensure it's not applied to the leaves or stems, but around the base of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Eriogonum gracile Benth. var. incultum Reveal, but you can remove dead or damaged stems to maintain the plant's appearance. It's best to prune the plant during its dormant season (usually during late fall or winter) which allows for new growth during spring. When pruning, use clean and sharp tools to remove only the affected stem, avoiding any healthy ones.
Propagation of Eriogonum gracile Benth. var. incultum Reveal
Eriogonum gracile Benth. var. incultum Reveal can be propagated through various methods:
Seed Propagation
Propagation via seed is the most commonly used method. Seeds can be collected from the plant when the flower head begins to turn brown and dry up. Once the seeds are collected, they can be planted directly into the soil or started in pots. If starting indoors, use seed-starting mix and keep the soil moderately moist. The ideal germination temperature for Eriogonum gracile Benth. var. incultum Reveal is between 60-70°F. Germination usually takes 1-2 months.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation by cuttings is also possible but requires more care and attention. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer, during the plant's active growth phase. Use a sharp, sterilized knife to take cuttings from new growth. Remove the leaves on the bottom and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a container with a well-draining soil mix and keep it warm and moist until roots form. This process can take several weeks to a month.
Division Propagation
Propagation by division is the last option for Eriogonum gracile Benth. var. incultum Reveal. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections and planting those sections in new locations. To do this, lift the plant carefully from the soil and divide it into sections, ensuring that each section has enough roots. Replant each section in soil that has good drainage and keep it well-watered until it has established itself in the new location.
Disease Management
Eriogonum gracile Benth. var. incultum Reveal is vulnerable to various fungal and bacterial diseases that can affect its growth rate and adversely affect its crop. The most common diseases include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot.
To prevent powdery mildew, it is critical to maintain hygienic conditions in the area surrounding the plant, ensuring proper watering, and providing adequate air circulation. In contrast, leaf spot and root rot are best avoided by avoiding over-watering and ensuring drainage around the plant's roots.
Fungicides containing copper, sulfur, and neem oil have been proven to be effective in preventing fungal infections. In cases where the infection is already present, application of fungicides is helpful. However, consulting an expert regarding the type and quantity of fungicide to be applied is recommended.
Pest Management
Eriogonum gracile Benth. var. incultum Reveal is vulnerable to pest attacks from various insects, including aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. The insects damage leaves and fruits, reducing the overall plant yield and quality.
To prevent insect attacks, applying insect repellants can be useful. Insecticides containing pyrethrin and neem oil are effective in repelling aphids and spider mites. Bacillus thuringiensis and spinosad are effective insecticides, especially against caterpillars.
Furthermore, the removal of the infected plant part and the discarding of the affected leaves and fruits can prevent the spread of pests. Regular inspection of the plant is essential to identify infections and pest attacks at an early stage, allowing for timely management.
