Origin and Common Names
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. saurinum (Reveal) Welsh is a perennial plant of the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae) that is native to the western United States. It is commonly known as "Saur's buckwheat" or "Saur's wild buckwheat."
General Appearance
Saur's buckwheat is a small, compact plant that typically grows to a height of 2 to 6 inches. It has a gray-green, mat-forming growth habit with leathery leaves that are 0.5 to 1 inch long and 0.1 to 0.2 inches wide.
The plant produces clusters of tiny, pale yellow flowers that bloom from May to July. The flowers are held on erect, wiry stems that rise above the foliage and are 1 to 3 inches tall.
Uses
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. saurinum has limited ornamental value due to its small stature, but it is an important part of the native flora in its natural range. It is also used as a food source for various species of wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Furthermore, Saur's buckwheat has historical medicinal use by certain indigenous tribes who prepared it as tea to address stomach ailments.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. saurinum typically grows in full sun to partial shade. When planting, make sure to place it in an area where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Too little light can cause stunted growth and a weaker plant overall.
Temperature Requirements
This Eriogonum plant thrives in hot, dry environments and is generally cold hardy to USDA Zone 7. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 0°F (-18°C) without significant damage, but it will not survive in areas with consistently freezing temperatures. Ensure that the planting location has well-draining soil to prevent water from damaging roots during winter.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. saurinum grows well in sandy or rocky soils that are well-draining and have a pH level of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be slightly alkaline and contain little to no organic matter. If your soil is not naturally well-draining, it should be amended with sand or other gritty material to improve its drainage. Try to avoid heavy clay soils or areas with standing water, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.
Cultivation methods
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. saurinum (Reveal) Welsh is a hardy plant species that is well-suited to grow in dry areas and rocky soils. The plant prefers full sun exposure during the day and well-drained soils that can allow for deep root development. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings, with the best time for planting being in the spring or fall.
Watering needs
The plant requires minimal watering once it is established, and overwatering is discouraged. It is essential to allow the soil to dry between watering intervals to prevent root rot. It is highly recommended to water the plant deeply and less frequently rather than frequently and shallowly.
Fertilization
Fertilization should be minimal, and the use of organic fertilizers is preferred. Application of fertilizers should be done in small quantities and during the growing season to avoid any adverse effects on the plant. Over-fertilization can cause excessive leaf growth at the expense of flower development.
Pruning
Pruning of the plant species is highly dependent on the desired shape and size. The plant likes to grow naturally, so pruning should only be done to a minimal extent to preserve the natural shape of the plant. Generally, pruning should be done during the winter months, primarily to control its size and shape or to remove any dead plant parts.
Propagation of Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. saurinum (Reveal) Welsh
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. saurinum (Reveal) Welsh, also known as Saur Eriogonum, is a perennial plant that belongs to the buckwheat family. This plant is commonly found in the western United States, particularly in the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau regions. Propagating Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. saurinum (Reveal) Welsh is relatively easy, and there are several methods that can be used to propagate this plant.
Propagation by seed
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. saurinum (Reveal) Welsh can be propagated by seed. The seeds should be collected from healthy, mature plants in the fall when the seed heads are dry. The collected seeds can be stored in an airtight container until the following spring or fall. In the spring, the seeds can be sown directly in the ground after the last frost date. The soil should be well-drained and slightly acidic. The seeds should be sown just below the soil surface and kept moist until they germinate.
Propagation by division
Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. saurinum (Reveal) Welsh can also be propagated by division. This method is best used for mature plants that are at least 3 years old. The plant should be dug up in the spring, and the rootball should be divided into several smaller sections. Each section should have several healthy roots and shoots. These divisions can be replanted in a well-draining soil and kept moist until they establish their root systems.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is also a suitable method for Eriogonum lonchophyllum Torr. & Gray var. saurinum (Reveal) Welsh. This is a good option for those who have limited access to plant material. The cuttings should be taken in the summer from new growth that has not yet hardened. The cuttings should be approximately 2-4 inches long and should include several sets of leaves. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone. The cuttings should then be inserted in a well-draining potting soil and kept moist. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly in the ground.
Disease Management
Although Eriogonum lonchophyllum var. saurinum is relatively resistant to diseases, there are a few that can affect it. The most common diseases that can affect this plant are root and stem rot and powdery mildew.
Root and Stem Rot: Roots and stems of Eriogonum lonchophyllum var. saurinum are susceptible to rotting when the soil is consistently moist. To manage root and stem rot, it is essential to avoid waterlogging the soil. The soil should be well-drained, and watering should be done at a moderate rate. Additionally, avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can damage the roots and cause rotting.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can affect Eriogonum lonchophyllum var. saurinum. It appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, ensure proper air circulation around the plant. Prune the affected parts and dispose of them immediately. In severe cases, use a fungicide spray following the manufacturer's guidelines.
Pest Management
Eriogonum lonchophyllum var. saurinum is remarkably resistant to pests. There are a few, although uncommon, pests that may affect this plant. These pests include spider mites and leafhoppers.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the leaves of the plant. They suck the plant sap creating yellow/white patches on the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant thoroughly with a forceful jet of water. Use a miticide if the infestation is severe following the manufacturer's guidelines.
Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are another pest that can affect Eriogonum lonchophyllum var. saurinum. They are tiny insects that hop from leaf to leaf, leaving stippled areas on the leaves. To manage leafhoppers, manually remove them using a vacuum or shake them off the plant. Use insecticides to control severe infestations.
