Origin and Name
Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. clokeyi Reveal is commonly known as Clokey's wild buckwheat. It is a perennial plant, and part of the Polygonaceae (buckwheat) family. It is native to the arid regions of southern California, including San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. The plant was named after a botanist named Howard Clokey who spent a significant amount of time studying plants in California.
General Appearance
The plant Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. clokeyi Reveal typically grows to be about 1- 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. It has small, gray-green leaves that grow in a basal rosette. Its flowers can be white, pink, or yellow and are small, clustered, and grow in rounded inflorescences. The plant's taproot is deep and thick, which helps provide the plant with moisture. The plant blooms from May to August, and then its flowers turn a rusty red color.
Uses
Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. clokeyi Reveal plays an important role in the ecosystem, providing food and habitat for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The plant is also used in landscaping as it is easy to care for and requires very little water. Additionally, parts of the plant, including the roots, leaves, and flowers, have been used in traditional Native American medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, stomach problems, and headaches. However, it is important to note that without consultation from a qualified healthcare practitioner, it is not recommended to self-medicate with any plants.
Growth Conditions for Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. clokeyi Reveal
Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. clokeyi Reveal, commonly known as Clokey's wild buckwheat, is a plant species that is native to California. Being a California native plant, it requires specific growth conditions to thrive.
Light Requirements
The plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It thrives in areas that receive six hours of direct sunlight per day. When grown indoors, it is recommended to keep it near a south-facing window that receives ample sunlight. On the other hand, too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy and floppy, which eventually makes it susceptible to pests and diseases.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in areas with a warm, dry climate and can tolerate high temperatures ranging from 80 - 100°F (27 - 38°C). However, in areas with high humidity, the plant may develop fungal diseases. If the temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), the plant may go dormant and, in extreme conditions, die off.
Soil Requirements
Clokey's wild buckwheat gows well in well-drained soils that are slightly alkaline with a pH range of 7.0 - 8.0. The soil should be loamy or sandy, light, and fast-draining. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils, so it is essential to ensure the soil dries out between watering. Enriching the soil with organic matter such as compost before planting will also help improve its growth.
Overall, Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. clokeyi Reveal is easy to grow with proper care and growing conditions. By following the above guidelines, you can grow a healthy, vibrant plant that will bring beauty to any garden or indoor space.
Cultivation Methods for Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. clokeyi Reveal
Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. clokeyi Reveal or Clokey's wild buckwheat is a native, drought-tolerant, and perennial plant in California's coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. If you're planning to cultivate it in your garden, make sure to provide sunny, well-draining, and slightly acidic soil. The plant requires full to partial sun for optimal growth and prefers soil with a pH level between 5.5 to 6.5. The ideal time for planting is in the fall when the soil is still warm but the weather is cooler.
Watering Needs for Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. clokeyi Reveal
Clokey's wild buckwheat is drought-tolerant and can thrive in dry conditions. Therefore, it's essential to avoid overwatering the plant as it can lead to root rot and other related diseases. Water the plant sparingly during the summer months and once every two weeks during the winter season. Ensure the soil's top layer is dry before watering to prevent waterlogging and overhydration. If you live in an area with high humidity or frequent rainfall, watering once a month should suffice.
Fertilization for Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. clokeyi Reveal
Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. clokeyi Reveal doesn't require fertilization often. However, applying a light dose of fertilizer during the growing season can enhance the plant's performance and promote fuller foliage and abundant blooms. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as 5-10-10, and apply it during the spring season when the plant starts actively growing. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers as they promote foliar growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning for Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. clokeyi Reveal
Pruning is crucial to maintaining the plant's shape and promoting branching and bushiness. Clokey's wild buckwheat can tolerate a moderate amount of pruning but avoid heavy pruning that can weaken or shock the plant. Prune the plant during the late winter or early spring before the growing season commences. Cut back the previous year's stems to about 6 to 8 inches above ground level, leaving a few buds intact to promote new growth. Deadhead the spent flowers regularly to prevent self-seeding and encourage the production of more blooms.
Propagation of Eriogonum Heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. Clokeyi Reveal
Eriogonum Heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. Clokeyi Reveal, also known as Clokey's wild buckwheat, is a low-growing evergreen shrub that is native to southern California.
Seed Propagation
The propagation of Eriogonum Heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. Clokeyi Reveal can be done through seeds. In the wild, this plant produces numerous seeds. To propagate from seed, the seeds must be collected from the plant after they have fully ripened. They can be planted immediately or stored in a cool and dry place for later use. The seeds require stratification, that is, exposure to cold temperatures to break their dormancy. One may store seeds in the refrigerator for several months before planting them in the spring.
Cuttings Propagation
Another way to propagate Eriogonum Heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. Clokeyi Reveal is by taking cuttings from a mature plant. Select a healthy stem and take a cutting that has two to three leaf nodes. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder then plant it in a pot of sterile soil. Keep the cutting moist, warm and out of direct sunlight. In a few weeks, the cuttings should start to root. Once the new roots grow, transplant them to a larger pot or the desired spot in the garden.
Division Propagation
Eriogonum Heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. Clokeyi Reveal can also propagate through division. However, this method requires an established plant to be divided into sections. When the plant begins to grow, the central part of the plant usually expands at a faster rate than the outer part of the plant. Dig up the plant and gently separate the well-established sections of the plant, making sure to include roots with each section. Transplant each section into a pot or directly into the garden soil.
