Overview
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. auriculatum (Benth.) Tracy ex Jepson is a native plant species found in the western regions of North America. It belongs to the Polygonaceae family and is commonly known as auricled buckwheat due to its auriculate leaves.
Appearance
Auricled buckwheat is a perennial herb that can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The plant has a clumping growth habit and produces branched stems with short internodes. The leaves are blue-green in color and have rounded tips with two prominent lobes at the base. The flowers are small and pink or white, forming dense clusters at the end of the stems. The plant blooms from late spring to summer, and the fruits are small, brown, and triangular in shape.
Uses
Auricled buckwheat has various medicinal and cultural uses. The plant was historically used by Native Americans to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, cough, and sore throats. The roots of the plant contain tannins and were used to make tea to alleviate fever and gastrointestinal problems. The plant is also used in habitat restoration projects as it provides erosion control and attracts pollinators.
Additionally, auricled buckwheat is an ornamental plant that is low maintenance and drought tolerant. It can be used in xeriscaping or water-wise gardens, and the dry flowers can be used for dried floral arrangements.
Origin
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. auriculatum (Benth.) Tracy ex Jepson is native to the western regions of North America, including California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils. It can be found in various habitats, including grasslands, chaparral, meadows, and open woodlands.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. auriculatum (Benth.) Tracy ex Jepson typically grows in full sunlight. This plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to grow and develop properly. This species cannot tolerate extreme shade or low light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. auriculatum (Benth.) Tracy ex Jepson is a hardy plant species that is able to tolerate a wide range of temperatures. This plant can survive and thrive in various climate conditions. However, it grows best in areas with moderate temperatures (around 60 to 70 °F or 15.5 to 21 °C). This plant can be damaged by extreme hot or cold temperatures, although it has some tolerance for drought.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. auriculatum (Benth.) Tracy ex Jepson prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils. This plant tolerates a pH range of 5.5 to 8.2. It requires a moderately fertile soil that is slightly moist, but not waterlogged, or overly dry. This species prefers soils that have a good organic content and are enriched with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It can grow in shallow soils, but generally prefers deep, well-drained soils.
Cultivation
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. auriculatum (Benth.) Tracy ex Jepson can be grown from seeds or propagated through division. It grows best in well-draining soil and requires full sun to thrive. This plant is suitable for rock gardens, border edges, and xeriscapes. It is tolerant to drought, heat, and wind.
Watering Needs
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. auriculatum (Benth.) Tracy ex Jepson has low to moderate water needs. It is drought-tolerant and can survive extended periods without water. The ideal watering schedule for this plant is once or twice a week during the growing season and once every two to three weeks during the dormant season. Ensure the soil is well-draining, as this plant can easily rot if the soil is too wet.
Fertilization
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. auriculatum (Benth.) Tracy ex Jepson does not require regular fertilization. However, incorporating some organic matter in the soil during planting can provide nutrients throughout the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium if you need to fertilize, but avoid overfertilizing.
Pruning
Pruning is optional for Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. auriculatum (Benth.) Tracy ex Jepson, but it can help to keep the plant compact and maintain its shape. Prune after the blooming season, typically in fall or winter. Cut back any dead stems and remove about a third of the overall plant height. Avoid pruning more than a third of the plant at once, as it can weaken the plant.
Propagation methods for Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. auriculatum (Benth.) Tracy ex Jepson
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. auriculatum (Benth.) Tracy ex Jepson, commonly known as auriculate buckwheat, is a California native plant that can be propagated through various methods. Here are some propagation methods:
Seed propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate E. nudum var. auriculatum is through seed propagation. Collect ripe seeds when they have turned brown and fallen off the plant. Sow them in a well-draining soil mix in the fall or early spring. Keep the soil damp and place the planted seeds in a cool and shaded area. Germination typically takes place within a few weeks.
Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another option for E. nudum var. auriculatum, although it can be more difficult and time-consuming. Take cuttings of new growth in the early summer, ensuring that each cutting has at least one node and a few leaves. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Insert the cutting into a well-draining soil mix and keep it in a warm and humid environment. Rooting can take a few weeks or months.
Layering
E. nudum var. auriculatum can also be propagated by layering. In the spring, select a low-lying stem, and scrape off some bark on the underside of the stem where it meets the soil. Cover the scraped area with soil and keep the soil moist. The stem will form roots at the scraped area, which can take several months. Once the stem has formed roots, it can be cut off from the parent plant and transplanted.
Disease Management
Eriogonum nudum var. auriculatum is generally a hardy plant that is not prone to many diseases. However, it can occasionally be affected by fungal infections such as powdery mildew and rust.
Powdery mildew symptoms include white or gray powder-like spots on the leaves, which can eventually turn yellow and drop off. Rust, on the other hand, appears as yellow, orange, or reddish spots on the leaves. These spots can also cause leaf drop and stunted growth.
To manage powdery mildew, remove infected plant parts, increase air circulation around the plant, and use fungicidal sprays. For rust, remove and dispose of infected leaves, apply neem oil or copper-based fungicides, and water the plant at the base rather than on the leaves.
Pest Management
Common pests that can affect Eriogonum nudum var. auriculatum include spider mites, aphids, and thrips.
Spider mites can cause white or yellow spotting on the leaves and webbing on the plant. Aphids can cause stunted growth, distorted leaves, and a sticky substance on the plant. Thrips cause silvery patches on the leaves and distorted growth.
To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge them, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and increase humidity around the plant. For aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil and introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings. To manage thrips, remove and dispose of infected plant parts, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and introduce natural predators like predatory mites or thrip parasites.
