Origin
Eriogonum nudicaule (Torr.) Small ssp. pumilum (S. Stokes) S. Stokes, commonly known as naked-stemmed buckwheat or naked buckwheat, is a sub-species of the Eriogonum nudicaule plant found in western North America. It is native to California, specifically the Sierra Nevada and southern Cascade Range, and can also be found in parts of Oregon and Nevada.
Common Names
Naked-stemmed buckwheat is also known by a variety of common names that reference its unique features. Some of these names include "naked buckwheat" (for the lack of stem leaves), "wild buckwheat," and "umbrella plant" (for the shape of the inflorescence).
Uses
Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. pumilum has both ornamental and ecological uses. As a member of the buckwheat family, it is an important food source for native pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. Additionally, it is a popular plant for landscaping and restoration projects, as it is drought tolerant and can withstand harsh environmental conditions.
General Appearance
The naked-stemmed buckwheat is a herbaceous perennial that grows in low mats or tufts, with the leaves being basal and sessile, or lacking stems. The inflorescence is comprised of many small, white to pink flowers that bloom from May to October. The plant grows to be about 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) tall and 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) wide.
Light requirements:
Eriogonum nudicaule subsp. pumilum prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but generally performs best in full sun.
Temperature requirements:
This plant thrives in moderate temperatures. It can withstand occasional periods of freezing or extreme heat but prefers to be grown in milder climates. It is tolerant of both high and low humidity.
Soil requirements:
Eriogonum nudicaule subsp. pumilum prefers well-draining soils with moderate to low fertility. It can grow in various types of soils, including sandy, loamy, and gravelly soils. The plant is also tolerant of slightly alkaline soil conditions and can grow in shallow soils. Soil pH should range from 5.0 to 8.5.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. pumilum is a hardy plant that can be grown in a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. It thrives in areas with full sun, and it can withstand harsh conditions such as drought and extreme temperatures. This plant is low-maintenance, making it ideal for beginner gardeners or those who are short on time.
Propagation can be achieved through seeds or cuttings. Seeds can be sown directly into the soil in the spring or fall, and cuttings can be taken in the summer when the plant is actively growing.
Watering Needs
Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. pumilum is a drought-tolerant plant, but it still requires regular watering until it is established. During the first growing season, water the plant deeply once a week. Once the plant is established, it can go extended periods without watering, as long as it receives enough rainfall.
Water the plant at the base, and avoid getting the leaves wet to prevent disease from forming. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
This plant does not require frequent fertilization. In fact, too much fertilizer can damage the plant. Use a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring, and avoid fertilizing during the summer and fall.
If you have poor soil, you can add compost or other organic matter to the soil before planting to give the plant a nutrient boost.
Pruning
Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. pumilum does not require extensive pruning. Deadhead the spent flowers to encourage new blooms and remove any dead or damaged branches as needed.
To maintain the plant's shape, you can lightly trim it after flowering. Be careful not to cut into the old wood, as this can reduce the plant's vigor and bloom production.
Propagation of Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. pumilum
The Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. pumilum, commonly known as the naked-stemmed Buckwheat, can be propagated through seeds and vegetative methods.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds are the most common and easiest way to propagate Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. pumilum. The plant produces seeds in late summer or early fall after blooming. Collect seeds when they are brown and have matured, then store them in a cool and dry place.
Before planting the seeds, prepare the seedbed by removing weeds and loosening the soil. Spread seeds on the bed and lightly cover them with the soil. Water the bed gently and keep it moist until the seeds germinate.
It takes about seven to 21 days for the seeds to germinate, depending on the soil temperature. Plants grown from seeds usually take about two years to mature.
Propagation through Vegetative Methods
Eriogonum nudicaule ssp. pumilum can also be propagated through vegetative methods such as stem cuttings and division.
Stem cuttings can be taken in late spring to early summer. Select healthy and disease-free stems and cut them into four-inch sections. Remove all but the top leaves and plant the cuttings in a well-draining medium. Keep the medium moist and place it in a protected area with indirect light. The cuttings will root in about six weeks.
Division is another vegetative method of propagation. Divide mature plants during the dormant season by digging up the plant and separating the root sections. Ensure that each section has roots and a stem. Plant them in a well-draining medium and keep them moist until they establish roots.
Propagation through vegetative methods produces plants that are exact clones of the parent plant.
Disease Management for Eriogonum nudicaule (Torr.) Small ssp. pumilum (S. Stokes) S. Stokes
Eriogonum nudicaule (Torr.) Small ssp. pumilum (S. Stokes) S. Stokes, also known as naked-stemmed buckwheat, is typically a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, improper growing conditions or poor care practices may make it vulnerable to certain diseases.
One common disease that affects the Eriogonum nudicaule is rust disease. It can cause yellowish-orange or reddish-brown spots on leaves and stems and may ultimately result in leaf drop. The best way to manage rust disease include:
- Pruning off the affected parts
- Removing fallen leaves and flowers to prevent the spread of spores
- Applying a fungicide recommended for rust disease
Another disease that may affect Eriogonum nudicaule is powdery mildew, which manifests as a white or grayish powder on leaves, stems, and flowers. The following methods are effective in managing powdery mildew:
- Pruning off the affected growths
- Improving air circulation to prevent moisture buildup
- Using a fungicide that effectively manages powdery mildew
Pest Management for Eriogonum nudicaule (Torr.) Small ssp. pumilum (S. Stokes) S. Stokes
Spray the plant with water to keep mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids at bay. These pests can attack the leaves and stems of your Eriogonum nudicaule plant, causing significant damage. Use insecticidal soap in the event that infestations are heavy. Handpick or prune off affected foliage, also, if infestations are low.
The Eriogonum nudicaule plant is also vulnerable to snail and slug damage. To prevent these pests:
- Eliminate moist hiding spots
- Place copper strips around plant pots or garden beds
- Use metaldehyde or iron phosphate baits
