Overview
Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. var. breedlovei J.T. Howell is a subspecies of the Eriogonum ochrocephalum plant. It is a species of wild buckwheat that is native to the rocky slopes and chaparral of California.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as Breedlove's buckwheat, due to the fact that it was named in honor of the botanist Philip Arthur Breedlove.
Appearance
Eriogonum ochrocephalum var. breedlovei has a very distinctive appearance. It is a low-growing perennial that can reach heights of up to 20 cm. The stems are woody, and the leaves are small and narrow, with a gray-green coloration. The flowers are clustered in dense rounded heads that are typically around 1 cm in diameter. The flowers themselves are small and white or yellow and bloom in the summer.
Uses
Eriogonum ochrocephalum var. breedlovei is primarily used as a landscaping plant due to its unique appearance and tolerance for dry conditions. However, it also has various medicinal uses in traditional Native American medicine. The plant's leaves and flowers have been used to treat a range of ailments, including skin sores, coughs, and digestive problems.
Light Requirements
The plant Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. var. breedlovei J.T. Howell prefers full sun to grow well. Ensure that the plant gets enough sunlight for 6-8 hours every day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. var. breedlovei J.T. Howell thrives in a warm temperature. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 90°F (15.5°C and 32.2°C). Ensure that the temperature does not fall below 50°F (10°C) to avoid damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. var. breedlovei J.T. Howell prefers well-draining soil. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil structure should be loose and not compact. Add organic matter to the soil to improve its quality and provide essential nutrients for the plant.
Cultivation Methods for Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. var. breedlovei J.T. Howell
Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. var. breedlovei J.T. Howell, also known as the Breedlove buckwheat, is a perennial plant that is native to California. It is a small low-growing shrub that can reach a height of up to 12 inches (30 cm) and spread up to 18 inches (45 cm).
When it comes to cultivation, the Breedlove buckwheat tolerates various soil types. However, it prefers well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade. It is recommended to plant this species in autumn, before the winter rains begin. This allows the plant to establish its roots before the hot summer months.
Watering Needs for Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. var. breedlovei J.T. Howell
The Breedlove buckwheat is a drought-tolerant species that does not require frequent watering. However, it is important to ensure that the soil is consistently moist during the establishment phase. This usually takes about 6-12 months. After that, the plant can survive on rainfall alone. Supplemental watering may be required during prolonged periods of hot, dry weather.
Fertilization for Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. var. breedlovei J.T. Howell
Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. var. breedlovei J.T. Howell is a low-maintenance plant that does not need regular fertilization. However, a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can promote healthier growth and flowering. It is important to avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning for Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. var. breedlovei J.T. Howell
Pruning is not necessary for Breedlove buckwheat. However, you can remove any dead or damaged stems to improve its appearance. If you want to promote bushier growth, you can prune back up to one-third of the plant in late winter or early spring. This will encourage the development of new growth and more flowers.
Propagation Methods for Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. var. breedlovei J.T. Howell
Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. var. breedlovei J.T. Howell, commonly known as Breedlove's desert buckwheat, is a perennial plant species that is endemic to California. Propagation of this plant species can be done by several methods:
Seed Propagation
One of the primary methods of propagating Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. var. breedlovei J.T. Howell is through the use of seeds. The plant's seeds need to be stratified for a few weeks to increase germination rates. Sowing the stratified seeds in seed trays with a well-draining soil mix, and then covering the trays with a plastic covering to retain moisture, is recommended. Once the seedlings are large enough, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings are also a viable option for propagation of Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. var. breedlovei J.T. Howell. Semi-hardwood cuttings in the summer, and hardwood cuttings in the winter, can be taken from mature plants. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone, and planted in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be kept moist until roots are formed.
Division Propagation
Division propagation of Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. var. breedlovei J.T. Howell can be done when the plant is dormant. The root ball should be carefully divided into multiple sections, with each section containing a piece of the stem and a good amount of roots. The sections should be replanted as soon as possible in well-draining soil.
Propagation of Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. var. breedlovei J.T. Howell through any of these methods will help to increase the populations of this plant, which is considered vulnerable in some areas.
Disease Management
There are a few common diseases that might affect the Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. var. breedlovei J.T. Howell. One of the most common diseases is powdery mildew, which is a fungal infection that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, it is important to remove any infected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. You can also apply a fungicide to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Another common disease that might affect this plant is leaf spot, which is another fungal infection that appears as small brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to remove any infected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. You can also apply a fungicide to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Root rot is also a common disease that might affect this plant. This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. To manage this disease, it is important to avoid overwatering and to ensure that the plant is growing in well-draining soil. You can also apply a fungicide to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
There are a few common pests that might affect the Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. var. breedlovei J.T. Howell. One of the most common pests is aphids, which are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant and can cause damage to the leaves and stems. To manage this pest, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the aphids.
Another common pest is spider mites, which are tiny arachnids that can cause damage to the leaves of the plant. To manage this pest, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the spider mites.
Thrips are also a common pest that might affect this plant. These insects are tiny and can cause damage to the leaves and flowers. To manage this pest, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the thrips.
It is important to monitor your plant regularly for signs of disease or pest infestation and to take action quickly to manage the problem. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your Eriogonum ochrocephalum S. Wats. var. breedlovei J.T. Howell stays healthy and strong.
