Origin
Eriogonum nudicaule (Torr.) Small ssp. angustum (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes, also known as the Narrow-flowered naked stem buckwheat, is a plant species native to North America. It is commonly found in California, Nevada, and Utah, as well as in some parts of Oregon and Washington.
Common Names
The Eriogonum nudicaule has a few common names that vary by region. Some of its common names include Naked-stemmed Buckwheat, Golden Buckwheat, Alpine Buckwheat, and Wild Buckwheat.
Uses
The Eriogonum nudicaule has some medicinal uses as some Native American tribes used the leaves to treat sore throats, digestive problems, and colds. However, it is not commonly used nowadays due to a lack of scientific studies to support its potential therapeutic benefits.
The plant is also used as an ornamental plant in some gardens. Its showy yellow flowers and attractive foliage make it a popular choice for rock gardens or as a groundcover.
General Appearance
The Eriogonum nudicaule is a perennial plant that typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet. The leaves are narrow, gray-green, and typically basal. They are about 1-3 inches long and 0.25 inches wide. The flowers are bright yellow and bloom from May to August. They grow in clusters on naked stems that are about 6 to 16 inches tall. The plant has a deep taproot and grows best in well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. angustum typically grows in areas with full sun exposure. This plant prefers light intensity that is high or very high. In areas with moderate or low light, the plant growth may be stunted, and it may not produce flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is well adapted to Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and wet and cool winters. In such regions, Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. angustum thrives when ambient temperature ranges between 50-80 °F (10-26.6 °C) during the growing season. In regions with colder climates, the plant can still survive and thrive, but extra care may be required to ensure that the temperature range is maintained.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in soils that have good drainage, are well-aerated, and slightly acidic. Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. angustum prefers sandy-loam soils with a pH of approximately 6-7.5. If the soil is too heavy, the roots may not receive adequate aeration, which can lead to root rot disease. The plant is also adapted to growing in nutrient-poor soils, so there is no need for excessive fertilizer application.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. angustum, commonly known as narrow-leaved naked buckwheat, is a flowering perennial plant native to western North America. This plant loves full sunlight and prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. Before planting, weed and till the soil to a depth of at least six inches and mix in organic matter. Plant the seedlings in the ground in early spring or fall, spacing them about 12 inches apart.
Watering Needs
Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. angustum is a drought-resistant plant and does not need much watering once it is well established. However, it should be watered regularly during its first year of growth and in hot and dry weather, making sure to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. angustum does not need much fertilization. In fact, too much fertilization can lead to weak growth and susceptibility to pests and diseases. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient for the plant's needs.
Pruning
Pruning of Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. angustum can be done in late fall or early spring. Prune off any dead or damaged stems or leaves to maintain a tidy appearance and enhance the plant's overall health. If you want to promote a bushier growth habit, you can pinch back the tips of the stems in spring by about an inch.
Propagation of Eriogonum nudicaule (Torr.) Small ssp. angustum (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes
Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. angustum, commonly known as narrow-leafed naked buckwheat, is a perennial species in the family Polygonaceae. The plant is native to California and can be propagated through several methods.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. angustum. The seeds are produced in the plant's inflorescence, which is a tight cluster of small flowers. Once the flowers have matured and turned brown, the inflorescence can be collected and allowed to dry. The collected seeds can be stored in a cool and dry place until the next growing season.
For successful seed propagation, the seeds must be stratified. This involves exposing the seeds to a period of cold and moist conditions to break their dormancy. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in pots or seed trays filled with a well-draining, sandy soil mix. The pots or seed trays can be kept in a warm and well-lit area until germination occurs. In ideal conditions, the seeds will germinate within two to three weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. angustum can also be propagated through vegetative means. This involves taking cuttings or dividing the plant to create new plants.
To take cuttings, select a healthy and mature plant and take a cutting that is 3-4 inches long. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cutting in a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with soilless mix, water it, and place it in a warm and well-lit area. Keep the soil moist until roots have formed, then transplant the cutting to a larger container or to the garden.
Dividing the plant involves carefully digging up the plant and separating it into smaller sections that have roots and shoots. Each section can be planted in a new container or directly in the garden. Dividing the plant is best done in early spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing.
Conclusion
Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. angustum is a lovely and low-maintenance plant that can be propagated through seed or vegetative means. By following the appropriate propagation methods, gardeners can easily propagate this plant to create a beautiful and thriving garden.
Disease Management
Eriogonum nudicaule (Torr.) Small ssp. angustum (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes may be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. Powdery mildew can be identified by a white, powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. Rust, on the other hand, appears as small orange or yellow spots on the foliage.
To manage powdery mildew, minimize humidity by providing proper air circulation and spacing between plants. Remove and dispose of infected plant parts, and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides containing potassium bicarbonate can also help control the disease.
Rust can be managed by removing and destroying infected plant parts and by keeping the area around the plant clean and free of debris. Fungicides containing copper or neem oil can also be used.
Pest Management
The most common pests that may affect Eriogonum nudicaule (Torr.) Small ssp. angustum (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes are aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth. Spider mites are tiny, spider-like creatures that also suck the sap from the plant, causing discoloration and mottled leaves. Thrips are small, slender insects that damage the flowers of the plant.
To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap. Ladybugs and lacewings also feed on aphids and can help control their population. Spider mites can be managed by keeping the plant well-watered and by spraying it with a mixture of water and neem oil. Thrips can be controlled by removing and destroying infected plant parts and by introducing predatory insects such as mites and wasps.
Regularly inspecting the plant for pests and diseases and promptly addressing any problems can help ensure the health and beauty of Eriogonum nudicaule (Torr.) Small ssp. angustum (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes.
