Overview
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. fendlerianum (Benth.) Reveal is a species of wild buckwheat in the family Polygonaceae. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows primarily in dry habitats, often on rocky slopes and mesas.
Common Names
Common names for Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. fendlerianum (Benth.) Reveal include Fendler's buckwheat, Fendler's wild buckwheat, and fringed wild buckwheat.
Description
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. fendlerianum (Benth.) Reveal is a perennial herb that typically grows from 15 to 50 cm tall. The plant has slender stems, and its leaves are narrow, linear, and gray-green, with small hairs on the edges. The flowers occur in tight clusters at the end of the stems, and each flower has five white to pale pink petals and a yellow center. The fruits are tiny, rounded, and hard, containing one seed each.
Uses
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. fendlerianum (Benth.) Reveal has a few traditional medicinal uses, among which include anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to relieve respiratory issues, fever, and stomach problems. Some Native American tribes also used this plant to make tea or as a food source.
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. fendlerianum (Benth.) Reveal is a drought-tolerant plant and is an excellent ground cover option for xeriscaping, a method of landscaping that reduces water consumption in arid regions. Its attractive flowers also make it a popular choice for ornamental gardens and wildflower meadows.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. fendlerianum (Benth.) Reveal prefers full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to thrive. In areas with a hot and dry climate, it can tolerate some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species is native to arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It can withstand high daytime temperatures ranging from 90°F to 105°F (32°C to 41°C) and low nighttime temperatures between 50°F and 65°F (10°C to 18°C). However, it cannot tolerate extreme winter temperatures below 15°F (-9°C), making it unsuitable for cold climates.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. fendlerianum (Benth.) Reveal prefers well-drained sandy or gravelly soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate different types of soil pH, ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, but it thrives best in neutral to alkaline soils with a pH between 7.0 and 8.5. The plant can also tolerate soils with low fertility and high salinity levels common in desert areas.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. fendlerianum (Benth.) Reveal is native to the western United States and can be grown in various soil types, including rocky, sandy, and clay soils. The plant prefers full sun exposure and is drought tolerant. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Watering Needs
While the plant is drought tolerant, it needs regular watering during the first year of growth to establish a strong root system. After the first year, the plant can thrive with occasional watering during extended dry spells. Overwatering can contribute to root rot and should be avoided.
Fertilization
The plant does not require heavy fertilization and can grow in nutrient-poor soil. If growth is lackluster, adding a slow-release fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium can help stimulate growth. Fertilizing should be done in the early spring before the growing season begins.
Pruning
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. fendlerianum (Benth.) Reveal does not require regular pruning, but pruning can help maintain the plant's shape and overall health. Pruning should be done in the early spring before new growth begins. Dead or damaged branches should be removed, and any crossing branches should be cut to prevent rubbing and potential damage.
Propagation of Eriogonum lonchophyllum var. fendlerianum
Eriogonum lonchophyllum var. fendlerianum, also known as Fendler's buckwheat, is a drought-tolerant perennial plant native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The plant produces showy, pink flowers and has silvery-gray leaves.
Propagation Methods
Eriogonum lonchophyllum var. fendlerianum can be propagated from both seeds and cuttings. The most effective propagation method varies depending on the grower's resources and goals.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest and most common propagation method for Eriogonum lonchophyllum var. fendlerianum. The plant produces seeds in late summer or early fall. Collect seeds from the plant by allowing them to dry on the plant until the seedheads turn brown and begin to split. Then, remove the seedheads and separate the seeds from the chaff.
Scarification will stimulate germination by breaking down the tough outer coating of Eriogonum lonchophyllum seeds. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours, then use sandpaper or a file to nick the seed coat and soak again for 24 hours before planting.
Plant seeds in a well-draining mix of sand, peat moss, and perlite in a pot or tray. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and maintain a soil temperature of 65-75°F. Germination should occur within 2-4 weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is a more advanced technique that involves taking cuttings from a parent plant and encouraging them to root and grow into new plants. This method can be useful when a grower has limited seed or wants to produce plants with certain characteristics.
Take cuttings of Eriogonum lonchophyllum var. fendlerianum from the terminal growth of the plant in the summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long with several leaves. Remove lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Plant cuttings in a well-draining mix of sand and perlite, and keep the soil consistently moist.
Place the cuttings in a humid environment, such as a clear plastic bag or a propagation tray with a dome to maintain high humidity. The cuttings should root within 6-8 weeks, and can be transplanted into individual pots or planted directly in the garden once established.
Disease Management
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. fendlerianum (Benth.) Reveal is generally a healthy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, several diseases can affect the plant, including:
- Powdery mildew
- Crown rot
- Root rot
- Anthracnose
To manage these diseases, it is essential to maintain good plant health. This can be achieved through proper watering, fertilization, and pruning. It would help if you used proper hygiene practices to prevent the spread of disease. Remove and destroy any affected plant parts, and avoid overhead watering to reduce moisture. Fungicides can also be used for severe outbreaks, although it is best to identify the disease and use fungicides specific to that disease.
Pest Management
Several pests can attack Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. fendlerianum (Benth.) Reveal. These include:
- Spider mites
- Thrips
- Leafhoppers
- Aphids
- Caterpillars
To manage these pests, it is essential to identify the pest accurately and choose the appropriate control methods. Insecticidal soaps and oils can be useful for controlling soft-bodied pests like aphids and thrips. For caterpillars and leafhoppers, physical removal or the use of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can be effective. Proper cultural practices like removing dead plant material, using row covers and practicing crop rotation can also reduce pest pressure. It is crucial to resist the use of broad-spectrum insecticides that can harm beneficial insects.
