Origin
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. scapigerum (Eastw.) Jepson, also known as the Stalked Buckwheat, is a plant species that is native to the Western United States and can be found growing in open woodlands, grasslands, and chaparral. Specifically, it is commonly found in California, Oregon, and Washington, but also can be found as far east as Utah and Nevada.
Common Names
As previously mentioned, Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. scapigerum is commonly known as the Stalked Buckwheat, and this name describes the plant's appearance. Other common names for this plant include Naked Buckwheat and Wild Buckwheat.
Uses
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. scapigerum has several potential uses. The Native American tribes that inhabited the regions where this plant was found traditionally used it in various ways. For instance, the plant's seeds were used to make bread and cakes. They also used the leaves to brew tea that was thought to help alleviate pain and fever. Additionally, the plant was used for medicinal purposes, treating ailments like stomach aches, coughs, and colds.
General Appearance
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. scapigerum is a herbaceous perennial with a rhizomatous root system. This means that the plant produces underground stems that help spread the plant. It has a woody base and can grow up to 3 feet high and nearly as wide. The plant produces small white flowers - about 1/16” in size, that bloom in clusters from June to September. Each flowerhead has 20-30 flowers that attract bees and butterflies. The plant's leaves are small, roughly 1/4" wide with fleshy texture and fade from green to brown as the plant matures. The stalks of its inflorescence are slender, almost hair-like, and surrounded by the sheathing leaves.
In conclusion, Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. scapigerum (Eastw.) Jepson is a unique and useful plant with interesting features, including the characteristic small white flowers, stalked appearance, and rhizomatous root system.Growth conditions for Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. scapigerum (Eastw.) Jepson
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. scapigerum (Eastw.) Jepson, commonly known as naked buckwheat, is a native herbaceous perennial plant in the Buckwheat family (Polygonaceae). This species is found in western North America, including California, Nevada, and Oregon.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. scapigerum (Eastw.) Jepson prefers full sun exposure for optimal growth. This species can tolerate some light shade, but excessive shade can reduce flowering and overall growth. Therefore, it is best to plant this species in an area with direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. scapigerum (Eastw.) Jepson is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level (5.5-7.5). It can tolerate sandy, loamy, or rocky soils and does not require high fertility. Additionally, this species is drought-tolerant and can grow in areas with low water availability.
Temperature Requirements
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. scapigerum (Eastw.) Jepson is adapted to Mediterranean climates and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate both hot and cold temperatures, but it prefers a moderate climate with temperatures ranging between 60°F and 80°F. Additionally, this species can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F, making it suitable for growing in colder regions.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum nudum var. scapigerum is a tough and drought-tolerant perennial that thrives in California's dry and rocky soils. To cultivate this plant, choose a sunny area with well-draining soil and good air circulation. The plant needs no special soil, but make sure it has a pH level between 6.5 to 7.5. Loosen the planting hole soil down to a depth of 12 inches and work in a 3-inch layer of compost. Space the plants 18 to 24 inches apart. Water the plant immediately after planting and avoid disturbing the roots when planting.
Watering Needs
Mature Eriogonum nudum var. scapigerum plants are exceptionally drought tolerant, but young plants require much more water. Water newly planted Eriogonum nudum var. scapigerum at intervals of two to three days for the first two weeks. As the plant begins to establish, watering frequency should be gradually reduced. During the first summer, water at intervals of 1-2 weeks. Followed by watering once in every 3-4 weeks during the second summer and eventually in every 4-6 weeks. The plant should not be watered on overcast days or in the event of continuous rainfall. Avoid killing the plant with kindness by not giving too much water because the Eriogonum nudum var. scapigerum does not like wet soil.
Fertilization
Eriogonum nudum var. scapigerum is not a heavy feeder. However, apply a well-balanced fertilizer once a year in early spring or late winter. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer with a higher concentration of phosphorous and potassium. Adding too much nitrogen fertilizer will cause the plant to produce more foliage and fewer flowers. Therefore, avoid the use of high nitrogen-containing fertilizers.
Pruning
Eriogonum nudum var. scapigerum requires little to no pruning to thrive. However, if the plants grow too tall, prune them down to a height of 8-12 inches in early spring or late winter. Remove any dead or damaged branches promptly. The plant's seedheads will remain appealing throughout the winter and into early spring, offering a choice of pruning time based on their preferences.
Propagation of Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. scapigerum (Eastw.) Jepson
The propagation of Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. scapigerum (Eastw.) Jepson can be done by several methods. These methods include seed propagation, stem cutting, and division.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is one of the most common methods of propagating Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. scapigerum (Eastw.) Jepson. The seeds can be collected from the plant and sown directly in the ground or in a pot. The best time to sow the seeds is in the fall or spring, and they should be sown in a well-draining soil mix.
The seeds should be sown shallowly and kept moist until germination, which may take up to several weeks. Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Stem Cutting
Another method of propagating Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. scapigerum (Eastw.) Jepson is through stem cutting. This method involves taking a stem cutting from a parent plant and rooting it in a well-draining soil mix.
The stem cutting should be taken in the spring or summer and should be several inches long. The leaves on the lower end of the cutting should be removed, and the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in the soil mix.
The cutting should be kept moist and in a bright, warm location until roots have formed. Once the roots have formed, the cutting can be transplanted into its permanent location.
Division
Division is another method of propagating Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. scapigerum (Eastw.) Jepson. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections.
The best time to do this is in the spring, and the plant should be dug up carefully, making sure not to damage the roots. Once the plant is out of the ground, it can be divided into smaller sections and replanted in their permanent location.
Make sure each section has a good amount of roots and foliage, and keep the plants well-watered until they have established themselves in their new location.
Disease Management
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. scapigerum is susceptible to several fungal and bacterial diseases, including:
- Botrytis blight: This fungal disease causes brown spots on leaves, stem cankers, and wilting of the plant. It can be controlled by pruning infected plant parts and using fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems. It can be prevented by increasing air circulation around the plant and using fungicides.
- Crown rot: This fungal disease affects the roots and base of the plant, causing it to wilt and die. It can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and planting in well-draining soil.
- Bacterial leaf spot: This bacterial disease causes red or brown spots on leaves and can be controlled by pruning infected plant parts and using copper-based fungicides.
Pest Management
Eriogonum nudum Dougl. ex Benth. var. scapigerum can be affected by several pests, including:
- Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can cause distorted growth and yellowing of leaves. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the undersides of leaves, causing stippling and yellowing. They can be controlled by increasing humidity around the plant and using insecticidal soap.
- Thrips: These small, slender insects feed on plant sap, causing leaves to become discolored and distorted. They can be controlled by using sticky traps and insecticidal soap.
