Origin
Eriogonum kearneyi Tidestrom var. monoense (S. Stokes) Reveal is a plant species that belongs to the family Polygonaceae. It is native to the high-elevation areas of the White Mountains in Eastern California and Western Nevada.
Common Names
One of the common names for Eriogonum kearneyi Tidestrom var. monoense is Kearney's buckwheat. The plant is also known as Mono buckwheat since it is found in Mono County, California.
Uses
Eriogonum kearneyi Tidestrom var. monoense is an important part of the local ecosystem, as it provides food and habitat for several species of insects, birds, and mammals. Additionally, the plant has been traditionally used by indigenous communities as a medicinal herb.
General Appearance
Eriogonum kearneyi Tidestrom var. monoense is a small perennial herb that grows up to 20 cm in height. The plant has numerous stems arising from a woody base and forms dense mats. The leaves of the plant are small and oval-shaped. The flowers are pink and appear in dense clusters at the end of the stems. The plant is adapted to harsh environmental conditions and can survive in dry and rocky soils.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum kearneyi Tidestrom var. monoense requires full sun exposure in order to grow and thrive. It is a plant that is well adapted to the intense sunlight of its native habitat and can tolerate extended periods of direct exposure to sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Eriogonum kearneyi Tidestrom var. monoense is a plant that is well adapted to the harsh, arid conditions of its native habitat. It can tolerate temperatures that range from below freezing to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is important to note that prolonged exposure to temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant and may cause wilting or leaf drop.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in well-draining soils, such as sandy loams, and rocky soils. It prefers soils that are slightly acidic to alkaline (pH 6.0 - 8.0) and low in nutrients. The soil should be porous and not hold excess water, as the plant is susceptible to root rot. It is important to note that the plant is well adapted to the native soil of its habitat, and transplanting to new soil may require careful monitoring and adjustment.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum kearneyi Tidestrom var. monoense prefers well-draining sandy or rocky soils with full sunlight exposure. The plant can grow in soil mixtures with clay, but it should be amended with sand, gravel, or perlite to enhance drainage. The plant can tolerate alkaline and acidic soils, but the pH should range between 6.0 and 8.5. Eriogonum kearneyi Tidestrom var. monoense is resistant to drought and heat and can endure cold temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius).
Watering Needs
The watering frequency for Eriogonum kearneyi Tidestrom var. monoense depends on the soil moisture content and humidity, but it is recommended to water the plant regularly during its growing season (spring and summer) and sparingly during its dormant season (fall and winter). The soil moisture should be maintained at a slightly dry to the touch level, and overwatering should be avoided to prevent waterlogging the roots and causing root rot. The plant can survive without water for extended periods, but it may lose its leaves and flowers as a survival mechanism.
Fertilization
Eriogonum kearneyi Tidestrom var. monoense does not require frequent fertilization, but it can benefit from occasional feeding with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in the spring before its growth starts. The fertilizer should be low in nitrogen to avoid promoting excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Overfertilization should be avoided as it can cause the plant to become leggy or weak.
Pruning
Pruning Eriogonum kearneyi Tidestrom var. monoense is not necessary, but it can improve the plant's appearance and health. The pruning can be done in the early spring before the new growth appears or after the flowering season ends. The plant should be pruned by removing the dead or damaged branches, shaping its form, and encouraging new growth. The plant can be pruned to maintain its size and shape or to rejuvenate an old or overgrown plant. Sharp and clean pruning tools should be used to prevent damaging the plant's bark.
Propagation of Eriogonum kearneyi Tidestrom var. monoense (S. Stokes) Reveal
Eriogonum kearneyi Tidestrom var. monoense (S. Stokes) Reveal, commonly known as Mono Basin buckwheat, can be propagated via seed or vegetative means.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Eriogonum kearneyi Tidestrom var. monoense can be sown directly in the field or in containers. The ideal time to sow the seeds is in the fall after the first rainfall. The seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist. Germination can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months.
It is essential to protect the emerging seedlings from extreme heat or cold, and they should be provided with adequate moisture. In approximately 2 to 3 years, the plants will reach maturity and will start flowering and setting seeds.
Vegetative Propagation
Eriogonum kearneyi Tidestrom var. monoense can also be propagated via vegetative means. This can be achieved by taking stem or root cuttings. The cuttings should be taken in the fall and should be around 6 inches long. They should be planted in a mixture of sand and peat moss until new roots develop. Once the new roots have developed, the plants can be transplanted into the field.
Division can also be used to propagate Eriogonum kearneyi Tidestrom var. monoense. The clumps can be divided into smaller sections and planted out in the field or in containers. Division should be done in the fall to allow the plants to establish before the onset of winter.
Disease Management
Eriogonum kearneyi Tidestrom var. monoense is a hardy plant that typically does not suffer from many plant diseases. However, there are some potential diseases that may affect this plant.
One of the potential diseases that affects Eriogonum kearneyi Tidestrom var. monoense is powdery mildew, a fungal disease that creates a white powdery coating on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves as soon as possible and dispose of them to prevent the spread of the fungal spores.
Another disease that can affect this plant is rust. It appears as orange or brown pustules on the leaves or stems of the plant. To manage rust, remove infected leaves or stems and use a fungicide spray if necessary.
Pest Management
Eriogonum kearneyi Tidestrom var. monoense is not typically affected by many pests, but there are some potential pests to be aware of.
One of the potential pests that may affect this plant is the spider mite, which feeds on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and damage to the leaves. To manage spider mites, use a miticide or insecticidal soap to control their population and prevent further damage.
Another pest that may affect this plant is the aphid, which also feeds on the plant's sap, causing curling and damage to the leaves. To manage aphids, use a natural insecticidal soap or neem oil to deter them and prevent further infestation.
Regular monitoring of the plant for any signs of pests or diseases and taking prompt action to manage these issues can help to ensure the health and vitality of Eriogonum kearneyi Tidestrom var. monoense.
