Origin:
Eriogonum latifolium Sm. var. scapigerum (Eastw.) S. Stokes, commonly known as Rocky Mountain Buckwheat, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Polygonaceae. It is native to North America, particularly found in the Rocky Mountains, from Montana southward through Utah and Colorado, to New Mexico.
Common names:
The plant is commonly known as Rocky Mountain Buckwheat, Wide-leaf Buckwheat, Dwarf Buckwheat, and Cushion Buckwheat.
Uses:
Eriogonum latifolium Sm. var. scapigerum is an ornamental plant that has been traditionally used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes. The leaves, roots, and flowers of the plant have been used as a remedy for fever, kidney problems, and stomach ailments. The plant also has several ecological benefits and is used for soil stabilization, erosion control, and habitat restoration.
General appearance:
The Rocky Mountain Buckwheat is a small perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 3-15 cm tall and 10-35 cm broad. The plant has a shallow, branched taproot system and a woody caudex. The leaves are very distinct and measure about 3-15 cm long and 3-12 cm broad, deltoid or elliptic in shape, with a rounded or tapered base and a blunt or pointed tip. The leaves are greenish-grey in color and have woolly hairs on the upper side, giving the plant a silvery appearance. The inflorescence is a dense, spherical cluster of small flowers that measure about 2-6 mm in diameter, ranging from white to rust-colored. The fruits are small, angular achenes with three or four distinct angles.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum latifolium Sm. var. scapigerum grows best in full sun. This plant requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day. Too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy and weaken.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate extremely cold temperatures and hot, dry climates. However, the best recommended temperature range for Eriogonum latifolium Sm. var. scapigerum is between 65 and 85 °F (18-29°C). This plant is also drought tolerant, therefore, it can withstand dry periods as long as it receives occasional watering.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum latifolium Sm. var. scapigerum prefers well-draining, sandy soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant also grows in clay soils but may require some amendments to improve aeration and drainage. It is ideal to plant this species in soils that have been enriched with organic matter. This plant prefers soils that are moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum latifolium Sm. var. scapigerum (Eastw.) S. Stokes is a low growing perennial shrub that requires a well-draining soil. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can be grown from seed or propagated by cuttings. The plant is relatively low maintenance and suitable for a drought-tolerant landscape.
Watering Needs
This plant requires moderate watering during its growing season, which is from spring to fall. It is crucial to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. It is recommended to water once a week or when the top inch of soil is dry. During its dormant period in winter, it can survive with minimal to no water.
Fertilization
Eriogonum latifolium Sm. var. scapigerum (Eastw.) S. Stokes does not require frequent fertilization. Applying a balanced fertilizer once a year in early spring and watering it in can enhance its growth and promote flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Eriogonum latifolium Sm. var. scapigerum (Eastw.) S. Stokes, although it can benefit from deadheading old flowers to encourage continuous blooming. If pruning is necessary, it should be done in late winter or early spring before the growing season, and you should take care not to remove more than one-third of the plant's foliage.
Propagation of Eriogonum latifolium Sm. var. scapigerum (Eastw.) S. Stokes
Eriogonum latifolium Sm. var. scapigerum (Eastw.) S. Stokes is commonly known as the Seaside Buckwheat, which is a short-lived perennial plant species found in coastal areas in California. Propagating this plant species can be done through both seed and vegetative methods.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation of Eriogonum latifolium Sm. var. scapigerum (Eastw.) S. Stokes through seeds is relatively easy and can be done in two ways: sowing seeds directly into the soil or through stratification.
If you choose to plant the seeds directly into the soil, you need to wait until the soil temperature is warm enough, which is around mid-summer. You can plant the seeds in a well-prepared seedbed after removing any weeds and detritus. Plant the seeds 1/8 inch deep in rows and irrigate the bed periodically until the seeds germinate.
Another method of propagating the plant through seeds is through stratification. This method involves exposing the seeds to cold temperatures for several weeks to break seed dormancy. You can do this by mixing the seeds with damp sand and storing them in a refrigerator for approximately 12 weeks before planting them.
Propagation through Vegetative Methods
Vegetative propagation is a feasible method of propagating Eriogonum latifolium Sm. var. scapigerum (Eastw.) S. Stokes. One of the most common vegetative propagation techniques for this plant species is through stem cuttings. These cuttings are taken during the early spring by cutting 2-3 inches of new growth from the mother plant. The cuttings are then planted into a well-prepared growing medium consisting of equal parts of perlite and peat moss.
The cuttings are kept under controlled humidity and temperature at around 70-80°F while keeping the soil moist. You can expect the cuttings to root after 2-4 weeks, and by the end of the summer, they can be safely transplanted to their permanent location in the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriogonum latifolium Sm. var. scapigerum (Eastw.) S. Stokes
Eriogonum latifolium Sm. var. scapigerum (Eastw.) S. Stokes, or more commonly known as the cushion buckwheat, is a species of flowering plant that is native to North America. It is a hardy plant with very few problems, but like all plants, it is still susceptible to some diseases and pests. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Eriogonum latifolium is susceptible to root rot, which can be caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. To prevent this, make sure to plant the cushion buckwheat in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Another disease that can affect the plant is leaf spot, which is caused by a fungus. This disease can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. To manage this disease, remove any infected leaves and improve the air circulation around the plant to prevent the fungus from spreading.
Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect Eriogonum latifolium is the aphid. These small insects can cause damage to the plant by sucking its sap. To manage an aphid infestation, use a strong stream of water to wash them off the plant. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to help control the aphids.
The cushion buckwheat can also be susceptible to spider mites, which can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. To manage a spider mite infestation, use a strong stream of water to wash them off the plant. You can also introduce natural predators such as predatory mites or ladybugs to help control the spider mites.
Overall, Eriogonum latifolium is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to care for. By managing the common diseases and pests that can affect the plant, you can ensure that it thrives in your garden.
