Origin
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. lonchophyllum, commonly known as the Spearleaf Buckwheat, is a plant species that is native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado.
Common Names
Besides Spearleaf Buckwheat, Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. lonchophyllum has other names such as Spearleaf Wild Buckwheat, Spear-leaf Wild Buckwheat, Spearleaf Wild Buckwheat, and Lanceleaf Wild Buckwheat.
Uses
There is not much historical or medicinal use of the Spearleaf Buckwheat. The plant is primarily used for landscaping due to its drought-tolerant nature and attractive yellow flowers.
General Appearance
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. lonchophyllum is a perennial herb with a subshrub base that typically grows to a height of about 0.2-1 meters. The plant has a woody base and multiple stems that spread outward to form a clump. Spear-leaf Wild Buckwheat has silver-green foliage with a canescent texture that covers the entire plant, making it look quite beautiful. The leaves are lanceolate and measure anywhere from 3-15 centimeters. The plant's flowers bloom from June to October in clusters of 2-5 flowers that grow from the end of each stem. The flowers are star-shaped and have 5-6 yellow petals, which are tipped with white and are about 4-5 millimeters long. The plant's fruit looks like a flattened, rounded triangle and can be about 3-4 millimeters long.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum lonchophyllum var. lonchophyllum is a sun-loving plant. It requires full sunlight exposure to grow and thrive. The plant cannot tolerate shady areas. Therefore, it is recommended to plant Eriogonum lonchophyllum var. lonchophyllum in a south or west-facing location where it can receive maximum sunlight exposure.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to the arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. Therefore, it can survive in extreme heat and cold temperatures. However, the ideal temperature range for the plant's growth lies between 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can tolerate freezing temperatures for a short duration, but it cannot grow in frost prone areas. Therefore, it is essential to plant Eriogonum lonchophyllum var. lonchophyllum in areas where the temperature remains moderate most of the year.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum lonchophyllum var. lonchophyllum grows well in well-drained soil. The plant cannot survive in areas with waterlogged soil. Therefore, it is essential to provide well-drained soil conditions to the plant. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic to alkaline soil conditions. The ideal pH range for the plant's growth lies between 6.0-8.0. It can grow in poor soil conditions with low fertility, but fertilizing the plant with organic matter can enhance the plant's growth and development.
Cultivation methods for Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. lonchophyllum
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. lonchophyllum, also known as shrub buckwheat, is a native plant found in California and Utah in the United States. This plant prefers to grow in full sunlight and dry soil with excellent drainage. It is highly tolerant of heat and drought, making it an effortless plant to cultivate.
When planting this species, leave enough space between each plant to allow for air circulation and proper root development. Planting in sandy or gritty soil will promote good drainage and prevent root rot.
Watering needs for Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. lonchophyllum
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. lonchophyllum is considered a drought-resistant plant, meaning it requires very little water. Watering too frequently can cause root rot and other disease issues, so it is best to allow the soil to dry thoroughly before watering. A deep watering once a week during the growing season will suffice. During the dormant period, reduce watering to once a month.
Fertilization of Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. lonchophyllum
Fertilization of Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. lonchophyllum is not necessary, as it is adapted to grow in nutrient-poor soil. Applying fertilizer can lead to excessive growth and weaken the plant's immune system. If you choose to fertilize, choose a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer and apply it sparingly.
Pruning Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. lonchophyllum
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. lonchophyllum does not require much pruning, only occasional shaping to maintain desired form and size. If pruning is needed, do so in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut no more than one-third of the plant's overall size, and avoid cutting into old wood. Removing spent blooms throughout the growing season will encourage further flowering.
Propagation of Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. lonchophyllum
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. lonchophyllum can be propagated from seeds or by vegetative methods.
Propagation by Seeds
Collect mature seeds from the plant when the seed capsules have dried and turned brown. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil in a pot or a seedling tray. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge. The germination process can take up to several weeks.
Propagation by Vegetative Methods
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. lonchophyllum can be propagated by stem cuttings or division.
To propagate the plant by stem cuttings, take a cutting from a mature plant, making sure it has at least one node. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in moist, well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a shaded area until it has developed roots and can tolerate full sun.
Division is another way to propagate Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. lonchophyllum. It involves separating the plant into smaller sections and replanting them. This method works best with older plants that have become large and have multiple stems. Dig up the plant from the ground and divide it into smaller sections, being careful not to damage the roots. Each section should have several stems and a portion of the root system. Replant the sections in a moist, well-draining soil, and keep the soil moist until the new plants have established themselves.
Disease Management
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. lonchophyllum is a relatively disease-resistant plant, but it can still be affected by certain diseases, such as:
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by fungi and manifests as small, brown spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove and dispose of infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by fungi and appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, prune affected areas, provide good air circulation around the plant, and avoid overhead watering.
- Rust: This disease is caused by fungi and appears as reddish-brown spots on the leaves. To manage rust, remove and dispose of infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
Pest Management
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. lonchophyllum is also relatively pest-resistant, but it can be affected by certain pests, such as:
- Aphids: These pests are small, green or black insects that suck the sap from the plant. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to knock them off, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, or use insecticidal soap.
- Snails and slugs: These pests are mollusks that eat holes in the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage snails and slugs, remove hiding places like weeds and debris, use a slug bait or trap, or handpick the pests and dispose of them.
- Spider mites: These pests are tiny, spider-like insects that suck the sap from the plant and spin webs on the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to knock them off, provide good air circulation around the plant, or use insecticidal soap or miticide.
