Introduction
Eriogonum natum Reveal is a flowering plant that is native to North America. This plant belongs to the Polygonaceae family and has many common names such as Alpine wild buckwheat, cushion wild buckwheat, and natum wild buckwheat.
Description
Eriogonum natum Reveal is a small perennial plant that measures up to 5 cm in height and forms a compact cushion. It has woody and hairy stems that grow from the center of the cushion. The leaves are small, narrow, and silver-gray in color with a hairy surface. The inflorescence of this plant is composed of many small yellow-green flowers that bloom from June to September. They are arranged in dense clusters at the end of the stems, forming a flat-topped terminal cyme.
Origin
Eriogonum natum Reveal is found in many places throughout North America, including Alaska, British Columbia, Montana, and Wyoming. It grows in various habitats such as alpine meadows, rock crevices, and limestone cliffs. This plant prefers well-drained soils and full sun exposure.
Uses
Eriogonum natum Reveal is not widely cultivated as an ornamental garden plant, but it could be a good choice for rock gardens or alpine plantings. This plant is also valued for its medicinal properties. Native American tribes would use it as a herbal remedy for stomach pain, colds, and fever.
Conclusion
Eriogonum natum Reveal is a low-growing flowering plant that is valued for its delicate yellow-green flowers. Its natural habitat is easily disrupted, and this plant is vulnerable to habitat loss caused by human activity. Conservation efforts are needed to preserve this plant species for future generations.
Light requirements
Eriogonum natum Reveal favors full sun and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but it will be less dense and produce fewer flowers.
Temperature requirements
The optimal temperature range for the growth of Eriogonum natum Reveal is between 50°F to 90°F (10°C to 32°C) during the growing season. The plant is tolerant of high temperatures but may experience heat stress and may require additional watering in hot, dry conditions.
Soil requirements
Eriogonum natum Reveal requires well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil with a pH between 6.5 to 7.5. The plant is adapted to grow in nutrient-poor soil, and excessive fertilizer applications can harm the plant. The ideal soil moisture level for the plant is medium to dry.
Cultivation Methods for Eriogonum Natum Reveal
Eriogonum natum Reveal plants are best suited for dry landscapes, such as rocky slopes and bluffs. The plant thrives in well-draining soil with a pH level of 7.0 or higher.
It is recommended to sow the seeds of Eriogonum natum Reveal in fall. The seeds require light to germinate; hence, one should not cover them with soil. One can use a mixture of 50% sand and 50% seed to aid in their dispersal.
It is essential not to transplant the seedlings until they have developed a well-established root system. This process can take a few years to complete.
Watering Needs for Eriogonum Natum Reveal
Eriogonum natum Reveal plants require minimal water. They can survive for a prolonged time without any water once they have established a root system. When watering, it is advisable to provide deep, infrequent watering instead of frequent, shallow watering.
If watered excessively, Eriogonum natum Reveal plants can suffer from root rot and die. One can use a moisture meter to ensure that the soil is dry before watering.
Fertilization for Eriogonum Natum Reveal
Eriogonum natum Reveal plants do not require any fertilization. These plants prefer nutrient-poor soil. Adding fertilizer may result in a luxurious vegetative growth, which may detract from the plant's natural beauty.
It is recommended to amend the soil with compost, and organic material during planting to enhance soil structure and water holding capacity.
Pruning Eriogonum Natum Reveal
Pruning is not necessary for Eriogonum natum Reveal plants. These plants have a natural growth habit that does not require shaping. Removing spent flowers can redirect the plant's energy towards seed production but is not necessary.
If you want to control the plant's size, it is advisable to do so by selecting the correct cultivar for the desired space. Some cultivars remain smaller in size than others.
Propagation of Eriogonum natum Reveal
Eriogonum natum Reveal, commonly known as mountain buckwheat, can be propagated through sexual and asexual methods. Here are some of the plant's propagation methods:
1. Seed propagation
Eriogonum natum Reveal generally reproduces from seed. You can start by collecting seedheads, which are often produced in late summer or early fall. The seedheads are small and papery, and they generally contain a single black seed. To propagate from seed, you can follow these steps:
- Collect seedheads when they are brown and dry.
- Remove the seeds from the seedheads, and store them in a cool, dry place.
- Scarify the seeds by rubbing them with sandpaper or soaking them in hot water for 24 hours.
- Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix, and keep the soil slightly moist.
- Place the container in a warm, sunny location.
- Germination can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months.
2. Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method of reproducing Eriogonum natum Reveal. Here are the two most common vegetative propagation methods:
a) Division
Eriogonum natum Reveal can be divided during the dormant season. Here are the steps:
- Carefully dig up the plant, and gently remove the soil around the roots.
- Locate the natural divisions of the plant, and gently pull or cut them apart.
- Plant each division in a well-draining soil mix.
- Water the newly planted divisions, and keep the soil slightly moist.
- Place the container in a warm, sunny location.
- The divided plants should start to produce new growth within a few weeks.
b) Stem Cuttings
Eriogonum natum Reveal can also be propagated from stem cuttings. Here are the steps:
- Select healthy stem cuttings that are several inches long.
- Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top.
- Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone.
- Plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix.
- Water the newly planted cuttings, and keep the soil slightly moist.
- Place the container in a warm, shaded location.
- The cuttings should start to produce new growth within a few weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriogonum natum Reveal
Eriogonum natum Reveal, commonly known as the Cryptic Buckwheat, is a low-growing perennial plant that is native to western North America. Like any other plant, it can be affected by various pests and diseases. Here are some of the common ones that might affect this plant:
Pests
Aphids: These small insects can cause severe damage to the plant by sucking the sap from its leaves. Signs of aphid infestation include distorted or curled leaves and the presence of a sticky substance on the plant. To manage aphids, you can simply spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites: These tiny arachnids can suck juices from the leaves and cause them to turn yellow or brown. You can manage spider mites by spraying the plant with water regularly or using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Cutworms: These caterpillars cut off the stem of the plant at the soil level, leading to the death of the plant. You can manage cutworms by handpicking them off the plant or placing a collar made of cardboard or aluminum foil around the base of the plant.
Diseases
Fungal Diseases: Cryptic Buckwheat is susceptible to various fungal diseases such as Powdery Mildew and Crown Rot. Powdery Mildew appears as a powdery white coating on the leaves, while Crown Rot causes the plant's stem and roots to turn brown and rot. To manage fungal diseases, remove the infected parts of the plant and use fungicides as per the instructions on the package.
Viral Diseases: Viral diseases such as Cucumber Mosaic Virus can affect the Cryptic Buckwheat by causing stunted growth, yellowing of the leaves or spotting. Sadly, there is no cure for viral diseases. Therefore, it is best to prevent them by ensuring sanitary conditions in your garden and controlling the pests that might spread the viruses.
In conclusion, the Cryptic Buckwheat is a relatively hardy plant, but it can still be affected by various pests and diseases. Proper disease and pest management practices, such as proper monitoring, timely spraying of insecticides, and removal of infected parts of the plant, can help to keep your plant healthy.
