Overview
Eriogonum gypsophilum Woot. & Standl. is a species of wild buckwheat that is native to Mexico and the United States. It is a low-growing perennial herb that can be found in desert ecosystems and rocky slopes.
Common Names
Eriogonum gypsophilum is commonly known as gypsum wild buckwheat and gypsum wild-verbena.
Uses
The roots of Eriogonum gypsophilum are used in traditional medicine by Native American tribes for various ailments such as stomach pain, intestinal worms, and skin infections. The plant is also used in landscaping for its ornamental value as it produces bright yellow flowers that bloom from July to September.
Appearance
Eriogonum gypsophilum is a low-growing herb that typically grows up to a height of 6-12 inches. It has a woody base with slender stems that can grow up to 16 inches long. The leaves of the plant are light green, narrow, and papery. The flowers of the plant are small, yellow, and bloom in dense clusters at the top of each stem. The plant is well-adapted to hot and dry environments and is capable of withstanding droughts.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum gypsophilum Woot. & Standl. is a plant that grows best in full sun to partial shade. The plant requires direct sunlight for a significant part of the day, at least six hours, to grow optimally. When planted in areas that are too shaded, the plant becomes spindly and loses its compact shape since it is trying to grow towards the light.
Temperature Requirements
Eriogonum gypsophilum Woot. & Standl. is native to the hot arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Therefore, it prefers warm temperatures with a range of 60°F to 90°F (15°C to 32°C). The plant is quite tolerant of heat and drought and can survive even in high temperatures. At temperatures above its optimal range, the plant may become stressed and start to wilt.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum gypsophilum Woot. & Standl. grows well in a wide range of soils, but it prefers well-drained soils. The plant can tolerate slightly saline or alkaline soils but cannot survive in soils that are waterlogged or with high clay content as this can lead to root rot. The ideal soil pH should be around 7.0. Adding organic matter like compost to the soil can improve soil fertility and the plant's growth.
Cultivation
Eriogonum gypsophilum Woot. & Standl., also known as gypsum wild buckwheat, is a drought-tolerant plant that requires full sun exposure. It can be grown from seeds, and it is ideal to plant them in the fall. The plant thrives best in well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. Eriogonum gypsophilum is a low-maintenance plant, and it can tolerate extreme temperatures and harsh environmental conditions.
Watering Needs
Eriogonum gypsophilum requires minimal watering, especially once established. As a drought-tolerant plant, it can survive on rainfall alone. Water the plant sparingly during the first weeks after planting to help it establish its roots effectively. Avoid overwatering, as the plant can quickly succumb to root rot when soil drainage is poor.
Fertilization
Eriogonum gypsophilum is not a heavy feeder, and its growth does not require frequent fertilization. However, you can treat the plant to an early spring feeding, using a slow-release organic fertilizer with a low nitrogen content. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
The wild buckwheat plant does not require pruning, but removing spent flowers can encourage new growth and maintain a neat appearance. Cut back the plant's stems by about one-third of their length after the first growing season to promote bushier growth. Avoid pruning in the fall, as it can interfere with the plant's natural dormancy period.
Propagation of Eriogonum gypsophilum Woot. & Standl.
Eriogonum gypsophilum Woot. & Standl. can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and transplanting. The best time to propagate this plant is during spring or early summer when the temperatures are warmer, and the plant undergoes active growth.
Propagation through Seeds
The propagation of Eriogonum gypsophilum Woot. & Standl can be done through seeds. The seeds of the plant are readily available and can be obtained from seed suppliers, or they can be collected from mature plants. The collected seeds should be sown in seed trays or pots filled with well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be kept moist and placed in a warm and well-lit area. The seedlings should appear within 2 to 3 weeks after sowing. Once the seedlings reach a height of 4 inches, they can be transplanted to the desired location in the garden.
Propagation through Cuttings
Eriogonum gypsophilum Woot. & Standl. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood stems in late summer or early autumn. The cuttings should be about 3 to 4 inches long and should be taken from healthy plants. The bottom leaves should be removed, and the cut ends dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings should then be planted in pots filled with well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm and well-lit area. The cuttings should root within 2 to 3 weeks, and once the roots are established, they can be transplanted to the desired location in the garden.
Propagation through Transplanting
Eriogonum gypsophilum Woot. & Standl can be propagated through transplanting. The best time to transplant the plant is during its dormant period, which is in late autumn or early winter. The plants should be dug up carefully, ensuring that the roots are not damaged. The plant should then be transplanted to the desired location in the garden, making sure that the soil around the roots is well-watered and compacted. After transplanting, the plant should be well-watered and monitored to ensure that it establishes itself in its new location.
Disease Management
Eriogonum gypsophilum Woot. & Standl. is a relatively disease-resistant species. However, it may occasionally suffer from foliar diseases such as powdery mildew.
One way to manage powdery mildew is to prune affected leaves or stems and destroy them. Leaves or stems that fall on the ground should also be removed. This reduces the source of inoculum for further infections.
Another way to prevent powdery mildew is to space out the plants and thin them regularly. This allows better air circulation and reduces the relative humidity around the plants, which are two factors that favor powdery mildew growth.
If powdery mildew is severe, fungicides such as sulfur or potassium bicarbonate can be used. However, these should be used judiciously and according to label instructions.
Pest Management
Eriogonum gypsophilum Woot. & Standl. is not commonly attacked by pests. However, some insects may feed on the leaves or flowers, such as aphids, thrips, and spider mites.
Aphids can be removed by washing them off with a jet of water or by using insecticidal soap. Thrips and spider mites can be controlled with insecticides such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Handpicking and squishing insects like caterpillars or beetles can also be effective if infestations are small. However, if infestations are large, insecticides may be necessary.
To prevent future pest infestations, it is important to keep the plants healthy and stress-free. Proactive measures such as regular watering, fertilization, and pruning can help maintain healthy plants that are less susceptible to pest damage.
