Description
Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. subspinosum Reveal is a perennial plant that belongs to the Polygonaceae family. It is sub-shrub in form and has a woody base that results from the multiple stems that grow from a single root. It produces a taproot that can reach a depth of up to 50 cm, allowing it to access deep water reserves in its habitat.
The plant grows to a maximum height of 50 cm and can spread up to 60 cm. The stems are silver-green and coated in tiny hairs that give it a velvety texture. The leaves of the plant are slender and lance-shaped, with a bluish-green color. The plant blooms from May to August, producing clusters of tiny flowers that are yellow in color and carried on long stems.
Origin
Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. subspinosum Reveal is native to California and can be found growing on dry, rocky slopes and outcroppings in the coastal mountains of the state. It is adapted to dry and gravelly soils and can also be found growing in disturbed areas, including along roadsides and in abandoned fields.
Common Names
Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. subspinosum Reveal is commonly known as Heermann's buckwheat or spiny buckwheat.
Uses
The plant has a variety of uses by indigenous groups in California. The Kumeyaay people of San Diego County used the plant to make a tea that was believed to be an effective remedy for stomach pains and diarrhea. The plant also has ornamental value and is used in xeriscaping due to its ability to thrive in arid conditions.
Typical Growth Conditions of Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. subspinosum Reveal
Light: Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. subspinosum Reveal typically grows best in full sun to partial shade. In areas with extremely hot summers, some shade in the afternoon may be needed to prevent leaf scorch.
Temperature: This plant can be found growing in a variety of temperature ranges, from as low as 0°F (-18°C) to as high as 105°F (40°C). However, it prefers a moderate climate with cool nights during the growing season.
Soil: Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. subspinosum Reveal grows well in well-draining rocky or sandy soils. It prefers a soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5 and soil that is moderately fertile. This plant is also highly drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with low annual rainfall.
Water: This plant prefers a moderate amount of water during the growing season, but can survive extended periods of drought. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to allow the soil to dry out somewhat between watering.
Fertilization: Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. subspinosum Reveal typically does not require fertilizer, but can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
Propagation: This plant can be propagated from seed or from cuttings. Seeds should be sown in the fall or early spring, while cuttings should be taken in summer and rooted in a well-draining potting mix.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. subspinosum Reveal is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers well-draining soil. It thrives in full sunlight and mild temperatures, making it a great choice for gardens in arid or semi-arid climates. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings, but it may take longer to establish from seeds. It is best to plant the seedlings in spring or early summer.
Watering Needs
While Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. subspinosum Reveal is drought-tolerant, it still requires some watering to thrive. Water the plant once a week during the first year, then reduce watering gradually. In subsequent years, watering once a month during the growing season should be sufficient. Always allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Overwatering can cause root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. subspinosum Reveal does not require frequent fertilization. Over-fertilization can actually harm the plant. The best approach is to top-dress the soil with a thin layer of compost or other organic matter once a year. This will help improve the soil quality without introducing harmful chemicals into the environment.
Pruning
Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. subspinosum Reveal generally does not require pruning, but you can shape the plant to your liking by pruning in early spring before new growth begins. Prune any damaged, broken, or diseased stems. You can also prune the plant to promote a denser growth habit. Cut back the stems to roughly half their length and remove any weak or spindly growth.
Propagation of Eriogonum heermannii var. subspinosum
Eriogonium heermannii var. subspinosum, commonly known as the Santa Cruz Island buckwheat, is a perennial plant native to California. Propagation of this plant can be done through two primary methods: seed germination and stem cuttings.
Seed Germination
Seeds of Eriogonum heermannii var. subspinosum can be collected in the fall months when the plants naturally go to seed. The seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool and dry place until the following spring. Germination can be achieved by planting the seeds in well-draining soil and keeping them moist until they sprout.
It is important to note that this plant has a low success rate for seed germination, so it is recommended to collect and plant a large amount of seeds to increase the chances of success.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Eriogonum heermannii var. subspinosum. Using sharp and sterile shears, cut a stem of the plant that is about 4-6 inches long and includes a few leaves. Remove the lower leaves from the stem and dip the cut end into rooting hormone.
Next, plant the stem cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining sandy soil mix and keep it moist. After 4-6 weeks, roots should have developed, and the cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot or out into the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. subspinosum Reveal
Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. subspinosum Reveal, commonly known as Heermann's buckwheat or spiny buckwheat, is a hardy perennial plant native to California. While the plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases, it may occasionally be affected by certain pests and diseases.
Common Diseases Affecting Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. subspinosum Reveal
One of the most common diseases affecting Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. subspinosum Reveal is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that results in a white, powdery substance developing on the leaves and stems of the plant. This disease can cause the plant to become discolored, stunted, and even die in severe cases. To manage this disease, it is best to try to prevent it from happening in the first place by providing adequate air circulation around the plant and ensuring that it is not overwatered. If powdery mildew does occur, it can be treated with a fungicide spray.
Common Pests Affecting Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. subspinosum Reveal
One of the most common pests that can affect Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. subspinosum Reveal is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny, reddish pests that feed on the sap of the plant, causing it to become weak and stunted. To manage spider mite infestations, it is important to keep the plant well-watered and to remove any affected leaves. You can also use insecticidal soap or a horticultural oil spray to control spider mites effectively. Another common pest that affects the plant is leaf miners, which are larvae that burrow into the leaves, causing brown patches and distorted growth. To manage leaf miner infestations, it is important to pick off and dispose of any affected leaves and to avoid over-fertilizing the plant.
By taking appropriate measures to prevent these diseases and pests from affecting Eriogonum heermannii Dur. & Hilg. var. subspinosum Reveal, gardeners can enjoy a healthy and vibrant plant in their garden for years to come.
