Origin
Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. ssp. anemophilum (Greene) S. Stokes, commonly known as Wind-Blown Buckwheat, is a perennial flowering plant species native to North America. It is commonly found in the Great Basin region of the United States.
Common Names
Wind-Blown Buckwheat
Common Buckwheat
Uses
Traditionally, Native American tribes have used Wind-Blown Buckwheat for a variety of medicinal purposes. The root was often used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, while the entire plant was used to make a tea that could help reduce fever and alleviate coughs.
Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. ssp. anemophilum is also used for soil stabilization and as a food source for wildlife such as mule deer and pronghorns.
General Appearance
Wind-Blown Buckwheat has a unique appearance with stems growing up to 50 cm tall and leaves that are 1-2 cm long. The flowers are small and pinkish-white in color, blooming from June to August. Wind-Blown Buckwheat typically grows in dry, rocky areas and can be found at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 7,500 feet.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. ssp. anemophilum typically grows in full sun to partial shade. This plant thrives in open spaces with plenty of light. Full sun may be required in colder climates to promote growth.
Temperature Requirements
Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. ssp. anemophilum is a hardy plant that can tolerate a variety of temperatures. This plant can withstand both hot and cold temperatures and can grow in a range of climates. However, this plant must be protected from extreme temperatures, which may damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. ssp. anemophilum thrives in well-draining soils with low to moderate fertility levels. This plant prefers soil that is neutral to mildly acidic with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. This plant can also grow in sandy or gravelly soils. However, this plant is sensitive to soils that are too wet, which can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods:
Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. ssp. anemophilum (Greene) S. Stokes, commonly known as "Flying Saucers," is a rare and interesting plant that requires specific care for its cultivation. It is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure to grow. If you plan to grow the Flying Saucers, ensure that the soil pH level ranges from 5.5 to 6.5. The plant prefers rocky, sandy soil, so it might be beneficial to amend soil with sand and gravel to ensure proper drainage.Watering Needs:
Although Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. ssp. anemophilum (Greene) S. Stokes is drought-tolerant, proper watering is still necessary to ensure optimal growth and development. Water the plant thoroughly once a week, and avoid watering if the soil is still moist. Overwatering can lead to root rot and eventually kill the plant. Additionally, the plant prefers dry soil during the winter season, so reduce watering to once every three to four weeks.Fertilization:
Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. ssp. anemophilum (Greene) S. Stokes is a low-maintenance plant that does not require frequent fertilization. However, if you want to use fertilizer, opt for a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) to encourage healthy growth and vibrant blooms.Pruning:
Pruning is an essential care technique for Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. ssp. anemophilum (Greene) S. Stokes. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches. Additionally, you can prune the plant to maintain its size and shape. However, avoid excessive pruning, as it can hinder the plant's growth and reduce its bloom production.Propagation of Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. ssp. anemophilum (Greene) S. Stokes
Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. ssp. anemophilum (Greene) S. Stokes commonly known as Wind-loving Buckwheat is a beautiful native plant that can be propagated through various methods such as seed propagation, division, or cuttings.
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest and most common ways to propagate Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. ssp. anemophilum (Greene) S. Stokes is through seeds. The plant produces viable seeds annually, which can be collected and sown in the fall. The seeds should be sown into a well-prepared bed with moist soil and allowed to germinate. Seed propagation is ideal for larger plantations or large gardens.
Division
Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. ssp. anemophilum (Greene) S. Stokes can also be propagated through division. This method involves separating the mature plant into two or more pieces and planting each piece separately. The best time for division is spring, when new growth is visible. Dig the plant out carefully before dividing it into pieces. Each piece should have some roots and at least one shoot. Plant each piece in a well-prepared bed.
Cutting
Another propagation method for Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. ssp. anemophilum (Greene) S. Stokes is through cuttings. Cuttings should be taken in early summer from healthy, non-flowering stems. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long, and the leaves trimmed down to half of their size. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder. The cuttings should be planted in well-prepared soil in a container or a greenhouse with good drainage and kept moist. Roots will emerge in 3-4 weeks, and they can be planted in the open garden when the roots are well-developed.
Disease Management
Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. ssp. anemophilum (Greene) S. Stokes is generally disease resistant.
However, in some situations, the plant may be affected by fungal or bacterial diseases. The most common disease affecting the plant is powdery mildew, which appears as a white powdery growth on the leaves.
To prevent fungal and bacterial diseases, it is important to keep the plant healthy and well-maintained. Ensure that there is enough air circulation and sunlight, and avoid over-watering. Remove diseased plant parts and dispose of them properly to prevent further spread of the disease. If the disease persists, consult with a horticulturist or plant disease specialist for appropriate treatment.
Pest Management
Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. ssp. anemophilum (Greene) S. Stokes is relatively pest resistant, but the plant may occasionally be affected by pests such as spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs.
To control pests, regularly inspect the plants and remove any infested leaves or stems. Introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest populations. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used as a natural and non-toxic remedy to control small infestations of pests.
However, if the pest infestation is severe or the plant is showing signs of significant damage, it may be necessary to use chemical pesticides. Consult with a horticulturist or pest management specialist for appropriate chemical treatment and follow all proper safety protocols when using chemical pesticides.
