Description
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. saxicola (Heller) Reveal, commonly known as bare-stemmed buckwheat or rock buckwheat, is a perennial plant belonging to the Polygonaceae or buckwheat family. It is a subshrub that grows up to 1.5 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide.
The plant has narrow leaves with smooth and wavy margins. Its inflorescence is composed of dense clusters of white to pink flowers with protruding stamens that bloom from May to October. The flowers eventually turn a rust color, providing an attractive year-round accent in a garden or natural setting. The plant's fruit is a small, triangular achene that is borne in abundance.
Origin
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. saxicola (Heller) Reveal is native to western North America, specifically the coastal ranges of California from Sonoma County south to San Diego County, and the Channel Islands. It prefers to grow in sandy, rocky, and dry soils, often on slopes or in chaparral and sagebrush communities.
Common Names
In addition to bare-stemmed buckwheat and rock buckwheat, the plant is also commonly known as dune buckwheat, cliff buckwheat, and chaparral buckwheat.
Uses
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. saxicola (Heller) Reveal serves as an important food source for bees and other pollinators. The plant's flowering stems can add texture and interest to a garden, particularly in a rock garden or container garden. In addition, the plant is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it a good choice for xeriscaping or water-wise landscaping.
Growth Conditions for Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. saxicola (Heller) Reveal
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. saxicola (Heller) Reveal grows best in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. It is commonly found in rocky areas, open woodlands, and brushlands with well-drained soil. The plant can tolerate various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. saxicola (Heller) Reveal requires full sunlight for optimal growth. However, it can still grow in partial shade. The plant also needs enough light to promote blooming, as it requires a significant amount of energy to produce flowers.
Temperature Requirements
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. saxicola (Heller) Reveal is native to California, where it experiences hot and dry summers and mild winters. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from hot summer days to cold winter nights. However, it prefers temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. saxicola (Heller) Reveal prefers well-drained soils. It can tolerate various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it cannot tolerate waterlogged soils. The plant has a long taproot that can reach deep into the soil to access nutrients and moisture, which allows it to survive in hot and dry environments.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. saxicola (Heller) Reveal, also known as Saxatile naked buckwheat, is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be cultivated in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 10. To cultivate Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. saxicola, prepare the soil by tilling it to loosen it up and remove any weeds. Plant seeds in the spring when the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F. Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart.Watering Needs
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. saxicola has low to moderate water requirements. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months. Do not overwater the plant as it is susceptible to root rot.Fertilization
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. saxicola does not require much fertilization. Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in the spring should suffice. Alternatively, you can amend the soil with compost or aged manure before planting.Pruning
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. saxicola does not require much pruning. Deadhead flowers as they fade to promote continuous blooming. Prune any dead or damaged branches in the winter to maintain the plant's shape and vigor. Avoid pruning too heavily as this can damage the plant.Propagation of Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. saxicola
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. saxicola (Heller) Reveal, commonly known as naked buckwheat, is a native perennial plant found in western North America. It is a drought-tolerant plant that requires minimal care, making it an excellent addition to gardens and landscapes. If you want to propagate Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. saxicola, you can use the following methods:
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seed is the easiest and most common method of propagating Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. saxicola. You can collect seeds in the fall when the plant has finished flowering. The seeds can be sown in pots or directly in the garden bed in late winter, early spring, or late fall. Seeds should be planted shallowly, about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) deep, and kept moist until germination occurs, which usually takes about 14-21 days.
Division
Division is another way to propagate Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. saxicola. This method is best done in the spring when new growth has just started to appear. To divide the plant, dig up the clump, then carefully separate the roots and replant the new plants into pots or directly in the garden bed. Ensure the divided plants are well-watered until they become established.
Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is also an option, but it is more challenging than the previous methods. Take cuttings of the plant in the spring when new growth appears. Then plant the cuttings in a soilless medium and keep them moist until they develop roots, which usually takes about 4-6 weeks. After roots have developed, the new plants can be transplanted into pots or directly into a garden bed.
Disease Management
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. saxicola is susceptible to several diseases that can cause significant damage to the plants. One of the most common diseases affecting the plant is powdery mildew caused by the fungus Erysiphe polygoni. This fungus results in the appearance of a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant, which can lead to the deformation and distortion of the shoots. To manage this disease, regular applications of fungicides are recommended, as well as the removal of infected plant parts.
Another disease that can affect Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. saxicola is leaf spot caused by the fungus Cercospora fungi. The disease starts as small yellow spots on the leaves, which later expand to form brownish-black spots. Infected leaves eventually fall off, leading to defoliation and stunted growth. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the infected plant parts and apply fungicide treatments regularly.
Pest Management
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. saxicola is relatively resistant to pests and insect infestations. However, several insect species can cause severe damage to the plant, and it is essential to identify and manage these pests appropriately. One common pest is the spider mite, which feeds on plant sap, resulting in yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and by causing early leaf drop. Natural predatory insects and the application of insecticidal soaps can help control spider mites.
The aphid is another pest that can feed on Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. saxicola, causing curling of the leaves, wilting, and a general decline in plant health. Removing the infected parts and using insecticidal treatments can help in managing the aphids effectively.
