Overview
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. macropodum (Gandog.) Reveal is a perennial flowering plant that is native to North America. It is commonly known as Large-Flowered Cushion Buckwheat, Bigfoot Buckwheat, or Sulfur Buckwheat.
Appearance
The plant grows to a height of about 4-6 inches and spreads out up to 3 feet wide, forming a dense, matted cushion. The leaves are oval or circular, measuring about 1 inch long and 0.5 inch wide, with a smooth margin and a shiny, dark green upper surface. The plant has a dense inflorescence consisting of numerous yellow flowers on top of scapes that can grow up to 18 inches high.
Origin
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. macropodum is found in the western United States, from California and Nevada to Montana and Wyoming. It usually grows in dry, rocky or sandy soils at elevations between 5,000 and 11,000 feet above sea level.
Uses
Large-Flowered Cushion Buckwheat is highly valued in the horticultural industry as it makes an excellent ground cover plant, particularly for rock gardens, meadows, and dry slopes. Its dense, low-growing habit makes it useful for erosion control. Additionally, the plant has some medicinal and nutritional uses. Native American tribes used its leaves and stems to make a poultice to soothe skin rashes and other skin irritations. The plant also has edible seeds that can be ground into flour and used to make bread or other baked goods.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. macropodum (Gandog.) Reveal prefers full sun and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. macropodum (Gandog.) Reveal is adapted to a cold and dry climate. It prefers cool summers with daytime temperatures around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and cold, dry winters with nighttime temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can tolerate high temperatures for brief periods, but prolonged high temperatures can cause stress and inhibit growth.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. macropodum (Gandog.) Reveal grows best in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. The plant is tolerant of a wide range of soil textures, from sandy to clay. It is also adapted to nutrient-poor soils and performs best in soils that are low to moderately fertile and low in organic matter.
Cultivation methods
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. macropodum (Gandog.) Reveal is a hardy perennial plant that is well adapted to dry conditions. It can grow in most soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils that are not too rich in nutrients. This plant can tolerate full sun exposure and also partial shade, but it needs good air circulation to thrive.
Watering needs
When growing Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. macropodum (Gandog.) Reveal, it is important to note that it is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive with minimal watering. Young plants need regular watering until they establish themselves, but mature plants require watering only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. macropodum (Gandog.) Reveal does not require a lot of fertilization. In fact, too much fertilizer can cause the plant to become leggy and weak. However, a light application of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season can help the plant grow stronger and healthier.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. macropodum (Gandog.) Reveal, but it can be done to increase the plant's longevity and maintain its appearance. Prune in the fall after the plant has flowered by removing any dead or damaged foliage and trimming back any unruly growth. Avoid pruning the plant down to the ground as this can damage the root system.
Propagation of Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. macropodum (Gandog.) Reveal
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. macropodum (Gandog.) Reveal, also known as Shasta buckwheat, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Polygonaceae. Propagation of this plant can be done in various ways, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and stem cuttings.
Seed propagation
Propagation through seeds is the most common method of Eriogonum ovalifolium. Seeds can be collected from the plant during the fall and can be directly sown in the garden bed during the spring. The seeds should be sown at a depth of around 1/8 of an inch, and the soil should be kept moist. It takes around 2-3 weeks for seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings have grown to an appropriate size, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Vegetative propagation
In vegetative propagation, a part of the mother plant is used to produce new plants. This is done by dividing the root ball of the mother plant and transplanting the divided clumps into the garden bed. Alternately, individual stems can be dug up and transplanted into the garden. This method is best carried out during the fall.
Stem cuttings
Cuttings can also be propagated in Eriogonum ovalifolium. The process involves taking 4-6 inch cuttings from the parent plant in late spring. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, vigorous stems that have not yet flowered. The cuttings should be inserted into a well-drained soil, where they will produce roots in a few weeks. Once rooted, cuttings can be transplanted into their final growing location.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. macropodum (Gandog.) Reveal
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. macropodum is a drought-tolerant, long-lived shrub that is native to western North America. While this plant is generally hardy and disease-resistant, it is still susceptible to a few pests and diseases that can impact its health and vigor. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes dark, irregular spots on the leaves of the plant. In severe cases, the leaves may become distorted or discolored, and the plant's growth may be stunted. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy any affected leaves and treat the plant with a copper fungicide.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that can affect Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. macropodum. It appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can cause stunted growth and reduce the plant's vigor. To manage powdery mildew, remove and destroy any affected plant parts and treat the plant with a fungicide containing potassium bicarbonate or neem oil.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause significant damage to Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. macropodum. They are known to feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow or brown and fall off. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. It may also help to increase the humidity around the plant by misting it regularly with water.
Cutworms
Cutworms are caterpillars that can feed on the roots and stems of Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. macropodum, causing significant damage to the plant. To manage cutworms, inspect the soil around the plant for the presence of the larvae and handpick them. You can also use a biological control method by introducing parasitic nematodes into the soil around the plant.
By regularly inspecting your Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. macropodum for signs of disease or pest damage, and by taking appropriate measures to manage these issues, you can help ensure that your plant stays healthy and vibrant year-round.
