Origin and Common Names
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. murinum Reveal is a plant that is native to the western United States. It is commonly known as mouse or gray buckwheat due to its small size and gray-green foliage.
General Appearance
This perennial plant typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet and has a spreading habit. It produces small white or pink flowers from summer to fall. The leaves are narrow and gray-green, measuring 1-3 inches long and 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide.
Uses
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. murinum Reveal is a popular plant in the landscaping industry due to its low maintenance and drought tolerance. It is often used in rock gardens, mixed borders, and as a ground cover. It is also commonly used for erosion control purposes due to its spreading habit.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. murinum Reveal thrives in full sunlight. It can tolerate partially shaded conditions but tends to grow better under fully exposed conditions.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral with pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.2. Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. murinum Reveal can tolerate poor soils with low fertility levels, but it requires adequate moisture. Sandy or gravelly soils are ideal, but they should not be too deep to avoid waterlogging.
Temperature Requirements
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. murinum Reveal grows best in areas with a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot and dry summers and cool and moist winters. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C) and as high as 110°F (43°C). However, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can damage the plant.
Cultivation
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. murinum Reveal is a hardy plant and can be grown in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers a well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate some shade.
The best time to plant this plant is in the fall or early spring when the soil is still moist from winter rains. Planting in the heat of the summer should be avoided, as the plant may not establish well in hot and dry weather.
This plant is drought-tolerant and does not require much water once established. It is also a good plant for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
Watering Needs
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. murinum Reveal should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. This will encourage the plant to develop a deep root system, making it more tolerant of drought conditions. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases.
The amount of water required will depend on the climate and soil conditions. In hot and dry climates, more frequent watering may be necessary, while in cooler and moister climates, less watering may be required.
Fertilization
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. murinum Reveal does not require much fertilization and can be grown in nutrient-poor soils. If the soil is very poor, a light application of compost or a balanced fertilizer can be applied in the spring.
Over-fertilization can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers. Avoid using nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which can encourage leaf growth.
Pruning
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. murinum Reveal does not require much pruning, but some light pruning may be necessary to maintain its shape or to remove dead or diseased growth.
The best time to prune is in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning should be done with clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant.
Deadheading or removing spent flowers can encourage the plant to produce more flowers and prolong its blooming season.
Propagation of Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. murinum Reveal
The Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. murinum Reveal is commonly known as the 'variegated Buckwheat'. It is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant perennial that attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, making it a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers. Here are the different methods for propagating this plant:
Seed Propagation
The most common and easiest method of propagating the Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. murinum is through seed propagation. Sow the seeds in either fall or early spring in a well-draining potting mix. They can be lightly covered with soil and kept moist, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to rotting. Germination usually occurs within two to three weeks. Once the seedlings have grown big enough, they can be transferred to individual pots or directly planted in the ground.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings is another way to propagate the Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. murinum. Take cuttings of healthy, young stems in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Stem cuttings should be about six inches long and have at least three to four nodes. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining, sandy soil mix and keep them in a warm, bright area. Water sparingly and cover the cuttings with a plastic bag or other enclosure to maintain humidity. After about six to eight weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and can be transferred to individual pots or directly planted into the ground.
Division Propagation
Division is yet another option for propagating Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. murinum. This is best done in the early spring before new growth emerges, or after the plant has finished blooming in the fall. Dig up the plant and separate the roots into smaller sections, making sure each divided section has enough roots and stems. Replant the divided sections in a well-draining soil mix, and water thoroughly. Keep the new plants moist and out of direct sunlight until they have established roots and are showing new growth.
Disease Management for Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. murinum Reveal
Common diseases that might affect Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. murinum Reveal include powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot.
To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to water the plant at the base to avoid getting the foliage wet, remove infected leaves, and apply fungicides containing neem oil, sulfur, or potassium bicarbonate.
Rust can be managed by removing infected leaves, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides containing neem oil or copper-based products.
Leaf spot can be managed by removing infected leaves and applying fungicides containing neem oil or copper-based products. It is also important to avoid overhead watering and overcrowding plants as they can promote the development of the disease.
Pest Management for Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. murinum Reveal
Common pests that might affect Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. murinum Reveal include aphids, spider mites, and thrips.
To manage aphids, it is recommended to blast the plant with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil.
Spider mites can be managed by applying insecticidal soap, neem oil, or releasing predatory mites.
Thrips can be managed by removing infested leaves, using yellow sticky traps, or applying insecticides containing spinosad.
It is important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of pests and diseases and to promptly manage them to prevent their spread and damage to the plant.
