Description of Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. ssp. ochroleucum (Small ex Rydb.) S. Stokes
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. ssp. ochroleucum (Small ex Rydb.) S. Stokes, commonly known as Cushenbury Buckwheat, is a native plant species in California, United States. This species is found growing in rocky, sandy, and dry areas of the Mojave Desert, San Bernardino Mountains, and the eastern part of the Transverse Ranges.
General Appearance
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. ssp. ochroleucum is a small to medium-sized shrub that typically grows up to 1-2 feet in height and 2-3 feet in width. The plant has a rounded form with a dense and bushy habit. The leaves of the plant are oval to oblong-shaped, silver-grey in color, and covered with a woolly texture. The flowers are small, pale to bright yellow, blooming in clusters at the end of the branches.
Common Names
Cushenbury Buckwheat is the common name for this plant, which refers to its habitat in Cushenbury Canyon, San Bernardino County, California.
Uses
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. ssp. ochroleucum is a drought-tolerant plant that can thrive in a variety of soils, including sandy and rocky soils. It is commonly used in xeriscaping and native landscaping projects, as well as in erosion control. The plant is also a valuable source of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Additionally, Cushenbury Buckwheat has cultural significance to Native American tribes, who use the plant for medicinal and ceremonial purposes.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. ssp. ochroleucum requires full sun to thrive. The plant should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If grown indoors, it is necessary to place the plant near a south-facing window or under grow lights.
Temperature Requirements
The plant favors cool climates, with daytime temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and night temperatures between 40-50°F (4-10°C). In warm climates, the plant needs partial shade to protect it from the hot sun.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining sandy or gravelly soil with a pH range of 5.0-8.0. The soil should be moderately fertile, with moderate levels of nutrients. The plant is drought and salt tolerant and can grow in harsh soils such as shale or other rocky soils. However, avoid planting the plant in soils that are excessively wet or prone to waterlogging.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. ssp. ochroleucum (Small ex Rydb.) S. Stokes, also known as cushion buckwheat, is a low-growing, woody shrub that requires full sunlight. It can grow in various soil types, including dry, sandy, gravelly, moist, or well-drained soils.
It is important to ensure that the plant has good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like rust. Therefore, it is recommended that you plant it in an open area and space the plants about three to four feet apart.
If you live in an area with harsh winters, it's essential to protect the plant from the extreme cold. You can do this by mulching around the plant in late fall with organic materials like leaves or hay to provide insulation and keep the roots warm.
Watering Needs
The cushion buckwheat is a drought-tolerant plant and thrives well in dry soils. Therefore, avoid over-watering your plants, as this can lead to root rot.
Water the plants when the soil is dry to touch, but ensure that the soil is well-drained. Overwatering can cause the plant to develop fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
It's important to note that even though the plant is drought-tolerant, it still needs regular watering during the first growing season to establish a strong root system.
Fertilization
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. ssp. ochroleucum (Small ex Rydb.) S. Stokes, can thrive well without fertilization. However, if you want to provide additional nutrients to your plants, you can use a slow-release fertilizer during early spring before the growing season begins.
Over-fertilizing can lead to a weak and spindly plant that is vulnerable to pest infestations and diseases.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. ssp. ochroleucum (Small ex Rydb.) S. Stokes. However, removing the dead or damaged branches and stems can improve the plant's appearance.
If you want to control the plant's size and shape, you can prune it in early spring before the growing season begins. Use clean, sharp pruning shears and make a clean cut just above the node or where the branch meets the stem.
Pruning should only be done moderately, as the plant can become stressed and vulnerable to diseases and pests if over-pruned.
Propagation of Eriogonum Ovalifolium Nutt. ssp. Ochroleucum (Small ex Rydb.) S. Stokes
Eriogonum Ovalifolium Nutt. ssp. Ochroleucum (Small ex Rydb.) S. Stokes, commonly known as the Cushion Wild Buckwheat, is a beautiful flowering perennial plant commonly found in western North America. The plant has a unique growth habit of a woody caudex producing a low-growing cushion of leaves and stems and flowering stalks, which grow up to a height of 6-15 cm. The plant requires a sunny location, well-aerated soil, and minimal water, and nutrient requirements.
Propagating Eriogonum Ovalifolium Nutt. ssp. Ochroleucum from seeds
The most common method of propagating Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. ssp. Ochroleucum is through seeds. Seeds can be sown directly in the field or started indoors in small pots. The ideal time to start seeds is in spring when the soil temperature is warm. The seeds should be sown in a seedbed or pot filled with well-draining soil. They should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist but not waterlogged. The seeds will germinate in 2-4 weeks. Once the plants have developed their true leaves, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagating Eriogonum Ovalifolium Nutt. ssp. Ochroleucum from cuttings
Propagation from cuttings is also possible but not as common as seed propagation. The cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be around 5-7 cm long, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cuttings should be rooted in a well-draining growing medium, such as sand or perlite, and should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Over time, the cutting will develop roots and can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagating Eriogonum Ovalifolium Nutt. ssp. Ochroleucum from division
Division should only be performed on mature plants and should be done in early spring or late fall. The plant should be dug out along with its rootball. The rootball should be divided into two or more sections, each with a portion of the woody caudex. These sections can be transplanted to their permanent location and should be watered regularly to help them establish roots.
Disease Management
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. ssp. ochroleucum (Small ex Rydb.) S. Stokes is not known to be susceptible to many diseases. However, some diseases that might affect this plant include root rot, powdery mildew, and rust.
Root rot can be caused by overly moist soil. To prevent it, make sure that the soil is well-drained. Avoid watering the plant excessively, and ensure that the pot has proper drainage holes. If root rot has already set in, you may have to cut away affected roots and repot the plant in new, fresh soil.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can cause a white, powdery substance to form on the leaves of affected plants. To manage powdery mildew, make sure that the plant has plenty of air circulation and is not overcrowded. You can also apply a fungicide to the leaves according to the instructions on the package.
Rust is another fungal disease that affects plants and can cause orange or brownish spots on the leaves. To prevent rust, make sure that the plant has ample air circulation and is not overcrowded. Remove any affected leaves and dispose of them properly. You can also apply a fungicide specifically designed to manage rust.
Pest Management
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. ssp. ochroleucum (Small ex Rydb.) S. Stokes is not known to be susceptible to many pests. However, some pests that might affect this plant include spider mites and root-knot nematodes.
Spider mites are tiny pests that can suck the sap out of the leaves of affected plants, causing the leaves to turn yellow and dry out. To manage spider mites, you can use an insecticidal soap or oil. Make sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully.
Root-knot nematodes are pests that can live in the soil and feed on the roots of plants, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage root-knot nematodes, you may have to replace the soil entirely or use an insecticide designed specifically for nematodes in the soil.
