Overview
Eriogonum nudicaule (Torr.) Small ssp. parleyense S. Stokes is a small herbaceous plant that is a member of the buckwheat family Polygonaceae. The plant is native to North America and is commonly found in California, Nevada, and Oregon. This plant is known by several common names such as Parleys buckwheat, nakedstem buckwheat, and Johnsondale buckwheat.
Appearance
Parleys buckwheat is a low-growing plant that typically grows up to a height of 15 centimeters. The leaves are narrow and oblong, measuring about 2 to 3 centimeters long. The stems are typically naked except for a few small leaves near the base. The flowers are small and typically pink or white in color. The flowers bloom in dense clusters at the tips of the stems and measure about 3 millimeters wide.
Uses
Parleys buckwheat has several uses both for humans and wildlife. The plant is known to be a good source of nectar for many pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The plant also provides food for various species of wildlife such as birds and small mammals. Parleys buckwheat is also used in native landscaping due to its low-growing habit and drought-tolerant nature. The plant is also known for its medicinal properties and has been used by Native American tribes for treating various ailments.
Cultivation
The cultivation of Parleys buckwheat is relatively easy. The plant prefers well-drained soil and requires moderate watering. The plant is drought-tolerant and can thrive in dry and arid conditions. Parleys buckwheat is best suited for full sun exposure, and it can be propagated through the use of seeds or cuttings. The plant can be used to provide ground cover in rock gardens, native landscapes, and as a border plant.
Growth Conditions for Eriogonum nudicaule (Torr.) Small ssp. parleyense S. Stokes
Light: Eriogonum nudicaule (Torr.) Small ssp. parleyense S. Stokes prefers full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. This plant species can tolerate partial shade, a condition that typically occurs in the natural habitat during the late afternoon. However, partial shade can reduce the flowering intensity of the plant, leading to reduced seed production.
Temperature: This plant is native to the mountainous regions of western North America and is well adapted to a range of climatic conditions. The typical temperature range for growth and development is between 10°C and 28°C. Eriogonum nudicaule (Torr.) Small ssp. parleyense S. Stokes is also well adapted to cold winters and can survive in temperatures as low as -15°C. However, sustained periods of freezing can lead to damage to the plant.
Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, coarse-textured, and sandy soils. The preferred soil pH range is between 6.5 and 8.0. Eriogonum nudicaule (Torr.) Small ssp. parleyense S. Stokes is sensitive to waterlogging, and heavy soils should be avoided. This plant species is also well adapted to soils that are low in nutrients and can tolerate drought conditions. However, regular watering is necessary for optimal growth and development, especially during the flowering period.
Cultivation of Eriogonum nudicaule (Torr.) ssp. parleyense S. Stokes
Eriogonum nudicaule (Torr.) ssp. parleyense S. Stokes, commonly known as naked-stemmed buckwheat, is a native perennial plant that grows in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, and California. It is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Watering Needs
The naked-stemmed buckwheat is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive with very little water. However, it will benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged periods of drought. Water the plant deeply once every two or three weeks during dry spells.
Fertilization
The naked-stemmed buckwheat does not require fertilization if planted in native soil. However, if planted in poor soil, you can add a slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting to give the plant a boost. During the growing season, a light application of a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, can be applied once a month.
Pruning
The naked-stemmed buckwheat does not require frequent pruning. However, if you want to encourage bushier growth and more flowers, you can prune back the taller stems after the plant has finished flowering. Cut the stems back to just above a leaf or node. Avoid pruning too much, as this can damage the plant and decrease the number of flowers produced.
Propagation of Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. parleyense
Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. parleyense, commonly known as Parley's Buckwheat, is a drought-tolerant perennial plant that is native to the western United States. It is commonly found in meadows, sagebrush steppes, and dry hillsides. Parley's Buckwheat can be easily propagated from seeds or cuttings.
Propagation from seeds
The best time to collect seeds from Parley's Buckwheat is in fall when the seed heads have dried out. The seeds can be stored in a cool and dry place until they are ready to be sown, which is usually in the spring when the weather is warm and moist. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and covered lightly with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the seeds should germinate in two to three weeks.
Propagation from cuttings
Parley's Buckwheat can also be propagated from cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in the late spring or early summer when the stems are green and pliable. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be about 5 to 6 inches long. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and then planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should root in about four to six weeks.
Disease Management for Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. parleyense
Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. parleyense is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, it is still susceptible to a few diseases. One of the most common fungal diseases that this plant may face is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew causes a white, powdery coating to form on the leaves and stems of plants, which can weaken them over time. To manage powdery mildew, it is suggested to prune infected plant parts, increase the space between plants for better air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides. Other fungal diseases that can affect E. nudicaule ssp. parleyense include leaf spot, rust, and root rot. Fungicides are also effective against these diseases.
Pest Management for Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. parleyense
Insects are another potential problem for E. nudicaule ssp. parleyense. One of the most common pests of this plant is aphids. Aphids are tiny insects that feed on plant sap and can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and distorted plants. To manage aphids, it is suggested to prune infected plant parts, release natural predators like ladybugs, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Another potential insect pest for this plant is spider mites. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that suck plant sap and cause yellowing leaves and web-like coverings. To manage spider mites, it is suggested to increase humidity around the plants, prune infected plant parts, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Additionally, caterpillars and grasshoppers may also damage E. nudicaule ssp. parleyense leaves. Handpicking these pests and placing nets around plants can help manage them.
