Description of Eriogonum Ovalifolium Nutt. var. Depressum Blank
Also known as the "cushion wild buckwheat," the Eriogonum Ovalifolium Nutt. var. Depressum Blank is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial species that belongs to the Polygonaceae family. It is a cushion-forming plant of the Great Basin desert and is widespread throughout the western United States.
General Appearance
The Eriogonum Ovalifolium Nutt. var. Depressum Blank typically grows to a height of about 3-6 inches and has a spread of up to 1-2 feet. The plant's foliage is evergreen, and the leaves are small, oval-shaped with a bluish-green hue. The inflorescences are often obscured by the leaves and are made up of small, clusters of flowers on short stems, which have an attractive pink or white hue.
Common Names
The Eriogonum Ovalifolium Nutt. var. Depressum Blank has several common names, including cushion wild buckwheat, dwarf buckwheat, and wild buckwheat.
Uses
This plant is mostly used for ornamental purposes as it adds beauty and aesthetic appeal to gardens. The plant is also suitable for habitat restoration projects promoting the conservation of endemic and endangered species. The leaves of the species are palatable to deer, elk, and bighorn sheep, and as such, the plant plays a vital ecological role in supporting wildlife.
Light Requirements:
The Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. depressum Blank. typically prefers full sun to partial shade. In natural conditions, the plant is found growing in exposed rocky areas, where it receives full sunlight. However, it can tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant is adapted to grow in harsh conditions. It can thrive in hot and dry summer conditions as well as cold and snowy winters. It is usually found growing in montane regions with cold winters and cool summers. The plant can withstand temperatures ranging from -30°F to 100°F. In general, the plant can adapt to a wide range of temperatures, as long as there is enough sunlight and moisture available.
Soil Requirements:
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. depressum Blank. prefers well-draining and dry, poor soils. It is usually found growing on rocky or sandy soils that are deficient in nutrients. However, the plant can grow in other types of soils, as long as they are well-drained. It cannot tolerate wet or waterlogged soils. The pH of the soil is not critical, but it usually grows in soils with a pH ranging from acidic to neutral.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. depressum Blank. requires well-drained and nutrient-rich soil to grow properly. It thrives in areas that receive full sunlight to partial shade and can tolerate salty soils. The plant is native to the western region of North America and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9.
Watering Needs
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. depressum Blank. is adapted to drought-like conditions and needs infrequent watering. In the early stages of growth, the plant requires more frequent watering to promote root establishment. Once established, watering can be reduced to once every two to three weeks, depending on the weather conditions.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. depressum Blank. However, if you want to promote faster growth, you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the early stages of growth. Applying a slow-release fertilizer once a year can also help enhance the growth rate of the plant.
Pruning
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. depressum Blank. requires minimal pruning. However, if you want to shape the plant, prune it in the early spring before new growth emerges. Remove damaged and diseased branches as soon as possible to prevent the spread of infections. Deadheading the plant regularly can also encourage reblooming.
Propagation Methods of Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. depressum Blank.
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. depressum Blank. is a low growing, perennial plant that is commonly propagated through seeds and cuttings. The plant can also be propagated through division but this method is less common due to the plant's taproot system.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation through seeds is the most common and preferred method for Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. depressum Blank. Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil during the spring season. The seeds should also be stratified for a period of two to three months at 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
The seeds of Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. depressum Blank. are small and should be sown on the soil surface and not too deep. They should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist until germination occurs. Germination usually occurs between two to three weeks.
Propagation through Cuttings
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. depressum Blank. can also be propagated through cuttings which are taken during the late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from new growth and should be at least four inches in length.
After taking the cuttings, the lower leaves should be removed leaving only the top two to three leaves. The cuttings should then be placed in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist until roots have formed.
The cuttings of Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. depressum Blank. should be kept in filtered light until they have become established. After establishment, they can be moved to a sunnier location.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. depressum Blank.
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. depressum Blank. is a low-growing perennial plant that is native to the western regions of North America. Like all other plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that might damage the plant or affect its growth. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and the ways to manage them:
Diseases
One of the common diseases that might affect Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. depressum Blank. is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as white powdery patches on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, one may use fungicides on infected plants as soon as they are noticed to prevent the disease from spreading. Additionally, it is essential to keep the plant foliage dry by avoiding overhead watering, improving air circulation, and pruning off infected plant parts.
Another disease that might affect Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. depressum Blank. is root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to decay and turn brown. To manage root rot, it is essential to prevent overwatering of the plant and ensure proper drainage. Additionally, one may use fungicides on the soil and infected plant parts to curb the spread of the disease.
Pests
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. depressum Blank. is also susceptible to attack by various pests. Some of the common pests that might affect the plant include spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. Spider mites feed on the plant sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Aphids and whiteflies also feed on the sap, making the plant weak and stunt growth.
To manage pest infestations, one may use organic insecticides, such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, and horticultural oils. Additionally, it is essential to practice good hygiene by removing infected plant parts, cleaning garden tools, and avoiding overcrowding. Companion planting, introducing beneficial insects, and physical barriers like row covers can also help manage pest infestations.
Regular monitoring of Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. depressum Blank. and prompt response to diseases and pests can go a long way in maintaining the plant's health and productivity.
