Origin
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. saxicola (Heller) Munz, commonly known as rocky buckwheat, is a perennial herbaceous plant species belonging to the family Polygonaceae. The plant is native to the western United States, specifically found in California.
Common Names
The Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. saxicola (Heller) Munz is commonly known by its one common name, rocky buckwheat, because of its preference for growing on rocky soils.
Uses
The Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. saxicola (Heller) Munz has no known practical uses but it is popular among gardeners for adding to ornamental gardens due to its spiky pink to red inflorescences that bloom in early to mid-summer. The plant is also used to attract and feed bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
General Appearance
The plant grows up to 2 feet high and 2-3 feet wide and has hairy, woody stems. Oval or lance-shaped leaves grow on short petioles and measure 1-3 inches long. The rocky buckwheat has unique pink to red inflorescences that bloom on the end of stems in the early to mid-summer months- these blooms can sometimes last up to several months.
Light Requirements
The Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. saxicola (Heller) Munz requires full sun for optimal growth. Partial shade may be tolerated, but will result in weaker and lankier growth. It is important to ensure that the plant is not shaded by any other larger plants or structures.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species is adapted to a Mediterranean climate, with warm and dry summers, and cool and wet winters. The Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. saxicola (Heller) Munz is highly tolerant of high temperatures and can withstand drought conditions. However, it is important to note that it is not cold-hardy and can be damaged by frost and freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. saxicola (Heller) Munz grows well in well-drained soils that are low in organic matter, and with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It is adapted to rocky and sandy soils, and can tolerate alkaline soils. The plant is not adapted to clay soils, as they are often poorly drained and can result in root rot. Soil moisture should be kept moderate, as excessive moisture can also result in root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. saxicola (Heller) Munz thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. The plant is suitable for cultivation in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-10. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention once established.
Watering Needs
The plant is drought-tolerant once established and requires moderate watering during the growing season. It is advisable to water the plant thoroughly and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The plant requires minimal fertilization and can grow well in poor soils. Applying a slow-release fertilizer once a year during the growing season can help promote healthy growth. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning
Pruning is not a necessary task for Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. saxicola (Heller) Munz, as the plant maintains its natural form. However, pruning can be done to remove dead or diseased branches or to shape the plant to a desired size. Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Propagation of Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. saxicola (Heller) Munz
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. saxicola can be propagated through seed collection, division, or cuttings.
Seed Collection
The seeds of Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. saxicola can be collected from the plant during the fall season when the seed heads have turned brown. The seeds can be easily detached from the plant, and then stored away in a cool and dry location until it is time to plant them in the spring or fall.
Division
Division is the best propagation technique for mature Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. saxicola plants. This method should be done in the early spring or late fall. During division, the plant should be dug carefully to preserve the main roots and then divide the roots and crown of the plant into smaller pieces. These small pieces can then be planted directly into soil with slow-release fertilizer.
Cuttings
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. saxicola can be propagated through stem cuttings as well. Cuttings should be taken during the growing season, cutting about 4 inches of the tip of the stem and then removing the lower couple leaves. Then, the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted into a good draining soil. Roots should start to develop in around 2-4 weeks, at which point the plant can be transplanted into the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. saxicola
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. ssp. saxicola is a California native plant, commonly known as naked buckwheat. It is a tough plant, tolerant of drought and diverse soil types. However, like any other plant, it can suffer from certain diseases and pests that can cause damage to the plant and reduce its vigor.
Common Diseases
One of the diseases that can affect Eriogonum nudum is powdery mildew. This fungus appears as a grayish-white powder on the leaves, stems, and flowers. Powdery mildew can cause defoliation and reduce plant vigor. To manage powdery mildew, make sure the plant is not stressed by watering it regularly, pruning out the affected parts, and using fungicides if necessary.
Another disease is root rot, caused by various fungi that attack the roots of the plant. Root rot can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne pathogens. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting, and death of the plant. To manage root rot, improve drainage and avoid overwatering. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Common Pests
Eriogonum nudum is not commonly attacked by pests. However, there are a few that can affect the plant, such as spider mites, aphids, and thrips. These pests feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and discoloration of the leaves. To manage pests, wash the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them, prune out severely affected parts, and use insecticides if necessary.
Another pest that can affect the plant is the buckwheat stem borer. This insect lays its eggs in the stem of the plant, causing wilting and discoloration. The larvae feed on the stem, eventually killing the plant. To manage this pest, prune out and destroy affected parts of the plant, and use insecticides if necessary.
Conclusion
Eriogonum nudum is a hardy plant that can tolerate many environmental challenges. However, like any other plant, it can be affected by diseases and pests. Proper management, including regular watering and fertilization, pruning, and the use of fungicides and insecticides if necessary, can help keep the plant healthy and vigorous.
