Origin
Eriogonum latifolium Sm. ssp. auriculatum (Benth.) S. Stokes, commonly known as the auricled buckwheat, is a native perennial plant species in North America. It is primarily found in the western region of the United States, including California, Nevada, and Oregon.
Common Names
Aside from being called auricled buckwheat, this plant species is also known by other common names, including auriculate eriogonum and short-stemmed buckwheat.
Uses
The auricled buckwheat is a popular ornamental plant species, commonly cultivated in gardens and landscapes for its attractive flowers. It produces dense clusters of small, pinkish flowers in the summer, which is a visually striking addition to any garden or landscape. Aside from its ornamental uses, indigenous Native American groups have utilized the plant's leaves and stems for medicinal purposes, including the treatment of coughs, colds, and other respiratory ailments. Additionally, wildlife such as bees and butterflies are known to be attracted to the flowers and may use the plant as a food source.
General Appearance
The auricled buckwheat is a compact plant species that typically grows to a height of six to twelve inches. Its leaves are oval-shaped and grayish-green in color, with edges that are rolled under, giving them an auricled appearance. The flowers of the plant are small and pinkish in color, arranged in dense clusters at the top of the stems. The plant generally prefers a dry, well-drained habitat and is commonly found in rocky outcrops, grasslands, and chaparral habitats.
Growth Conditions for Eriogonum latifolium Sm. ssp. auriculatum (Benth.) S. Stokes
Eriogonum latifolium Sm. ssp. auriculatum (Benth.) S. Stokes, commonly known as auriculate buckwheat, is a perennial herb that can grow up to 0.5 meters tall. This plant is indigenous to dry regions of southwestern North America, including California, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. The plant's typical growth conditions include the following factors:
Light Requirement
Auriculate buckwheat requires full sun to grow optimally. It thrives in bright sunlight and prefers at least six hours of direct sunlight exposure each day. Insufficient sunlight can result in stunted growth and reduced flowering.
Soil Requirement
The plant grows well in well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil with low nutrient content. It is commonly found growing in serpentine soils, which are known for their low nutrient availability, high heavy metal content and alkaline conditions. Auriculate buckwheat can be grown in soils with a pH range of 4.5–8.0 levels. Clay soils are not ideal for growing auriculate buckwheat as they can retain too much water, leading to root rot.
Temperature Requirement
Auriculate buckwheat typically grows in regions with a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, moist winters. The plant is hardy to USDA Zones 7-9 and can endure temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C) in winter. Auriculate buckwheat has a moderate tolerance to drought, but cannot tolerate extended periods of high temperatures.
Water Requirement
The plant requires moderate watering throughout its growing season, which is mainly during the spring and early summer. It is drought resistant; therefore, overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be detrimental for the plant's survival. After establishing in a site, the plant may not need frequent watering in subsequent years as it is capable of getting by on minimal rainfall.
Cultivation
Eriogonum latifolium Sm. ssp. auriculatum (Benth.) S. Stokes, commonly known as auriculate buckwheat, is a hardy plant that grows best in USDA zones 5 to 10. It is a drought-tolerant plant that belongs to the Polygonaceae family. The plant grows well in well-draining soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. It is best to plant the auriculate buckwheat in the spring to allow it to establish itself before the heat of the summer.
Watering Needs
The auriculate buckwheat is a drought-tolerant plant that requires occasional watering during the growing season. In general, it is better to water this plant deeply but infrequently to allow the roots to develop deeper into the soil. Watering should be done early in the day to allow the soil to dry out before nightfall. Doing so helps to prevent soil-borne diseases.
Fertilization
The auriculate buckwheat does not require much fertilization due to its ability to grow in nutrient-deprived soils. However, adding a slow-release fertilizer in early spring helps to promote healthy growth and development. It is important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully to avoid over-fertilization, which can burn the plant's roots.
Pruning
The auriculate buckwheat requires little pruning except for removing spent flowers and dead stems. It is advisable to prune back the plant in late fall or early winter to promote bushier growth in the spring. When pruning, it is important to use sharp and clean tools to avoid damaging the plant or introducing diseases.
Propagation of Eriogonum latifolium Sm. ssp. auriculatum (Benth.) S. Stokes
Eriogonum latifolium Sm. ssp. auriculatum (Benth.) S. Stokes, commonly known as the Seep-spring buckwheat, is a hardy perennial plant that is indigenous to North America and can be propagated by seed or cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
The most common method of propagating Eriogonum latifolium Sm. ssp. auriculatum is through seed propagation. Seeds can be collected from mature plants during the fall season and stored in a cool, dry place until the spring season when it is time to sow them. Before planting the seeds, they must be scarified to ensure germination. Scarification can be accomplished by soaking the seeds in hot water for a few minutes or rubbing them gently with sandpaper to weaken the hard seed coat. After scarification, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist until germination.
Propagation by Cuttings
Eriogonum latifolium Sm. ssp. auriculatum can also be propagated by cuttings. Cuttings should be taken during the spring season when the plant is actively growing. A stem cutting around 6-8 inches in length is ideal. The lower leaves on the cutting should be removed, and the cutting treated with a rooting hormone before being inserted into a well-draining soil mixture. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment until it has developed roots.
Propagation of Eriogonum latifolium Sm. ssp. auriculatum can be a rewarding experience for the home gardener. With care and attention, these beautiful plants can thrive in a variety of garden settings and provide years of enjoyment.
Disease Management
Eriogonum latifolium Sm. ssp. auriculatum (Benth.) S. Stokes is generally a disease-resistant plant. However, it can be susceptible to some common diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and stem cankers.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems. This disease can be managed by removing infected plant parts and applying fungicides. Rust is another fungal disease that causes orange or brown spots on the leaves and stems. It can be managed by removing the infected plant parts and applying fungicides.
Stem cankers are caused by fungal pathogens and can cause the stems to develop sunken, discolored areas. This disease can be managed by removing the infected plant parts and applying fungicides. It is important to prune infected plants in a dry season to prevent spreading the disease.
Pest Management
Eriogonum latifolium Sm. ssp. auriculatum (Benth.) S. Stokes is usually not affected by pests. However, some pests like aphids, spider mites, and thrips can sometimes attack the plant.
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant causing distortion of the leaves and stunted growth. They can be managed by washing the plant with water or spraying with insecticides. Spider mites are tiny pests that are difficult to see, but they can cause yellowing and stippling on the leaves. They can be controlled by regular watering and spraying with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Thrips are another insect pest that can cause tiny scars on the leaves and flowers. They can be managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil
