Origin
Eriogonum intermontanum Reveal belongs to the family Polygonaceae. It is native to western North America, including the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and Great Basin. It can be found in Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, California, and Oregon.
Common Names
Eriogonum intermontanum Reveal is commonly known as Intermountain Buckwheat, Cushion Buckwheat, and Mat Buckwheat.
Uses
This plant is not commonly used for medicinal purposes, but it can be beneficial for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its unique appearance and low maintenance requirements. Additionally, Eriogonum intermontanum Reveal is important for the ecosystem because it provides food and shelter for wildlife.
General Appearance
Eriogonum intermontanum Reveal is a low-growing perennial plant that forms large mats. It usually reaches a height of 2-6 inches and a width of 6-12 inches. Its leaves are evergreen and have a grey-green color with a rounded shape. The flowers bloom from June to September and are small and yellow-green in color. The plant is adapted to drought conditions and can tolerate poor soil quality. Eriogonum intermontanum Reveal is a hardy plant that thrives in full sun or partial shade.
Growth Conditions for Eriogonum intermontanum Reveal
Light Requirements: Eriogonum intermontanum Reveal thrives in full sun and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. It is not well-suited to low light conditions and may struggle in shady areas.
Temperature Requirements: This plant prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate frost and snow without issue. It can grow in a wide range of temperatures, but ideally, the temperature should range from 10-35? (50-95?) in the summer and -15-15? (5-59?) in the winter.
Soil Requirements: Eriogonum intermontanum Reveal grows well in well-draining soils that are relatively low in nutrients. It is best to avoid heavy, clay soils, as they retain water and can lead to root rot. The plant prefers a sandy loam soil with a pH between 5-8.
Water Requirements: This plant is drought-tolerant and can survive extended periods without water. However, it will likely thrive better with regular watering during the growing season, especially in hotter and drier climates. Avoid overwatering, as the plant is susceptible to root rot and other water-related issues.
Fertilizer Requirements: Eriogonum intermontanum Reveal does not require frequent fertilizer application. However, a small amount of balanced fertilizer can be helpful during the growing season. It is important to avoid feeding the plant too much, as it can result in leggy, weak growth.
Cultivation
Eriogonum intermontanum, commonly known as Intermountain buckwheat, is native to western North America and thrives best in areas with full sun exposure. The plant requires well-draining soil and can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
The best time to cultivate the plant is in early spring by either direct seeding or transplanting seedlings. When direct seeding, it is recommended to cover the seeds lightly with soil to aid in germination, and seedlings should be spaced 10-12 inches apart.
Watering
It is recommended to water newly planted Eriogonum intermontanum regularly until it becomes established. Once the plant is established, it can survive drought conditions and does not require frequent watering.
A general rule of thumb is to water Eriogonum intermontanum only when the soil is dry to touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot and may cause damage to the plant.
Fertilization
Eriogonum intermontanum is a low-maintenance plant that does not require frequent fertilization. The plant can adapt to poor nutrient soils and performs best without added fertilizers.
However, if there is a need to fertilize the plant, it is recommended to use a low-nitrogen fertilizer during its early growth period. The fertilizer can be applied once every two months or as directed by the package instructions.
Pruning
Eriogonum intermontanum requires little to no pruning. However, to maintain the plant's shape and promote bushy growth, it is recommended to remove dead or damaged branches and yellowing leaves.
Pruning can be done at any time of the year, but it is best to prune after the flowering season to avoid cutting off new flower buds.
Propagation Methods for Eriogonum intermontanum Reveal
Eriogonum intermontanum Reveal, also known as the Intermountain wild buckwheat, is a shrub native to the Western United States and Canada. This plant is commonly found on rocky slopes and sagebrush flats, typically growing at elevations between 4,000 and 9,000 feet.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest and most common method of growing Eriogonum intermontanum Reveal. In nature, the plant reproduces by seed, and you can mimic this process to propagate the plant in a controlled environment.
To propagate Eriogonum intermontanum Reveal from seed, start by collecting fresh, mature seeds from the plant during the autumn months once the seeds are dry and brittle. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until the following spring when you are ready to plant.
Before planting, treat the seeds with gibberellic acid or hot water to improve germination rates. Then, plant the seeds in well-draining soil and cover them lightly with a thin layer of soil. The seeds should be kept moist and warm, with temperatures around 70°F to 80°F to promote germination. Seedlings should emerge in 1-2 weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation of Eriogonum intermontanum Reveal can also be accomplished by taking hardwood cuttings from mature plants. This method of propagation is more challenging and not as reliable as seed propagation, but it can be successful in the right conditions.
To propagate by cuttings, take hardwood cuttings from the mother plant during the winter dormant season, placing the cutting 3”-6” in soil or sand. Keep the cutting moist but not overly saturated. Roots and shoots should emerge in 4-6 weeks. Keep the plant in a shaded location for the first year and move it to a sunnier location for the second year.
Division Propagation
Eriogonum intermontanum Reveal can also be propagated through division. This method of propagation involves digging up and separating sections of the root system, which can then be replanted in a new location.
To propagate by division, dig up the plant in fall to spring before it starts actively growing. Carefully separate the root system into smaller segments using a sharp, clean knife, ensuring that each section has a portion of the “crown” or growing point of the plant. Replant each segment into well-draining soil, keeping it moist until new growth appears.
Propagation of Eriogonum intermontanum Reveal is best done in the spring or early summer. All propagation methods require good soil drainage and adequate watering throughout the growing season. Be patient, as this shrub can be slow-growing, but it is well worth the wait.
Disease Management
Eriogonum intermontanum Reveal is a hardy plant and relatively resistant to diseases. However, some diseases may still affect its growth and development. Here are some common diseases that may affect the plant:
- Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. It can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage and soil-borne pathogens. To manage root rot, remove any affected roots and improve soil drainage.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant. It can be identified by white or gray powder-like substance on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, remove any infected plant parts and apply a fungicide.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant. It can be identified by orange or red rust-like spots on the leaves. To manage rust, remove any infected plant parts and apply a fungicide.
Preventing diseases is always the best approach. Proper watering, good soil drainage, and maintaining good airflow around the plant can help prevent diseases.
Pest Management
Here are some common pests that may affect Eriogonum intermontanum Reveal:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant. They can cause curled or distorted leaves and stunted growth. To manage aphids, wash them off with a strong jet of water or apply insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the underside of the leaves. They can cause yellowed leaves with fine webbing. To manage spider mites, wash them off with a strong jet of water or apply insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths or butterflies. They can cause defoliation of the plant and stem damage. To manage caterpillars, handpick them off or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) spray.
Regularly checking the plant for pests and removing any infested plant parts can help prevent pest infestations. Additionally, companion planting and the use of beneficial insects like ladybugs can help control pests.
