Overview
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. purpureum (Nutt.) Dur. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Polygonaceae. It is commonly known as oval-leaf perennial or purple-spike buckwheat. This plant is commonly found in western North America, specifically in the mountain ranges of California, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.
Appearance
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. purpureum (Nutt.) Dur. is a low-growing perennial plant, with a height that ranges from 20-60 cm. It has narrow and oval leaves, which are 1-4 cm long and are silver-grey in color. The plant produces small, dense clusters of tiny flowers, which are pink, purple, or white in color, and bloom from June to September. The flowers are held on stiff stems that can reach up to 60 cm in length.
Uses
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. purpureum (Nutt.) Dur. has several medicinal uses. Native Americans have been known to use the plant as a traditional medicine for stomach aches, coughs, and fever. The plant is also used in herbal teas for its medicinal properties. In addition to its medicinal uses, the plant is a source of nectar for pollinators and is known to attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
The plant is also used in landscaping to add ornamental value to gardens. Due to its drought-tolerant nature, Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. purpureum (Nutt.) Dur. is commonly used in xeriscapes, rock gardens, and native plant gardens. It is also used in erosion control, as the plant's roots help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. purpureum (Nutt.) Dur. is a sun-loving plant that requires full sunlight for healthy growth and development. It cannot tolerate shade or partial sunlight and will not thrive in such conditions. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the plant receives direct sunlight for at least six hours a day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers cool climatic conditions, and optimal growth occurs at temperatures between 10°C to 24°C. It can tolerate extreme temperatures and can survive in regions where the temperature drops to -15°C. However, the plant cannot withstand hot and arid conditions and requires adequate moisture to survive.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained sandy or gravelly soils with good drainage and aeration. It can tolerate rocky and clay soils as well, but these types of soils may limit its growth and development. The plant does not thrive in alkaline soils, and high levels of salts in the soil can also be harmful to the plant. An ideal pH range for growing Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. purpureum (Nutt.) Dur. is 6.5 to 7.5.
Cultivation methods
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. purpureum (Nutt.) Dur. is a plant that thrives in a dry and rocky environment. As such, it is best cultivated in well-draining soil with a pH level of between 5.5 and 7.0. It also requires full sun for optimal growth, so planting in a location that receives direct sunlight for at least six hours a day is recommended.
When planting the eriogonum ovalifolium, you should loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches and mix in some organic compost to improve the soil quality. After planting, it is important to water the plant to help it establish its roots.
Watering needs
Once established, Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. purpureum (Nutt.) Dur. is a plant that requires little water. It is drought-tolerant and can survive on natural rainfall alone. In fact, overwatering can be detrimental to the plant and lead to root rot. As such, it is recommended to water only when the top inch of soil is dry.
During periods of drought, it is crucial to water the plant to prevent dehydration. However, excessive watering should still be avoided, and you should aim to water the plant deeply but infrequently.
Fertilization
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. purpureum (Nutt.) Dur. does not require regular fertilization. However, for optimal growth, you can fertilize the plant 1-2 times a year. Using a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer is recommended, as high nitrogen levels can result in leggy growth.
You should apply the fertilizer in early spring, just before the plant begins its active growth period. The second application can be made in late summer to provide the plant with nutrients as it prepares for winter.
Pruning
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. purpureum (Nutt.) Dur. does not require regular pruning. However, you may prune the plant to control its size or shape. The best time to prune the eriogonum ovalifolium is in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
When pruning, remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. You can also prune back the plant to control its size, but avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Propagation of Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. purpureum (Nutt.) Dur.
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. purpureum (Nutt.) Dur. commonly known as the oval-leafed buckwheat, is a drought-tolerant, long-lived perennial plant. Propagation of this plant can be done by various methods including seeds, cuttings, and division of the root crown.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. purpureum (Nutt.) Dur. can be collected from the mature plants during fall and early winter and can be stored in a cool, dry place until ready for use. For propagation, the seeds should be surface sown in a mixture of well-draining soil and sand. They should be kept moist and warm between 20-25°C to encourage germination. In about four weeks, the seeds should start sprouting. They can either be transplanted to small pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is relatively easy for Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. purpureum (Nutt.) Dur. Cuttings should be taken from mature, woody stems about 10-15 cm long. The cuttings should be taken in early or mid-spring before the plant starts producing new growth. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder. Insert the cuttings into a well-draining soil mixture and keep them in a semi-shaded area. Keep the soil moist but not waterlog. In about 4 to 6 weeks, the cuttings should start to develop new roots.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is a suitable method if the plant has matured over the years. The plant should be dug out carefully and vigorously shaken off any soil from the root system. The root system should be examined, and the crown should be divided into smaller sections with a sharp, clean knife. Each section must have an equal number of shoots and root sections. Transplant each section into their separate pots or directly into the ground. Water the plants and keep them in partial shade for the first few weeks until they are well established.
Disease Management
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. purpureum (Nutt.) Dur. is highly susceptible to fungal diseases that may affect its growth and production. The common diseases that affect this plant are:
- Root rot: This disease occurs due to over-watering and poorly drained soil. To manage root rot, avoid over-watering and improve drainage. Remove infected plants from the garden as soon as possible to prevent spread.
- Powdery mildew: This disease affects the leaves and stems of the plant, forming white powdery spots. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering, and ensure proper spacing between plants for adequate air circulation. Regular application of fungicides like sulfur can help control the disease.
- Rust: Rust appears as yellow or orange spots on the leaves, and it is caused by fungal spores. To prevent rust, remove infected leaves and dispose of them away from the garden, avoid over-fertilization and apply fungicides early in the growing season to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Eriogonum ovalifolium Nutt. var. purpureum (Nutt.) Dur. is also susceptible to a variety of insect pests that can damage the plant. The common pests that affect this plant are:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause deformation of leaves and flower buds. Control aphids by spraying them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing leaves to turn yellow and dry out. Control spider mites by increasing humidity levels, using insecticidal soap and neem oil, and removing infected leaves and flowers.
- Cutworms: These caterpillars are found at the base of the plant and feed on the stem, causing young plants to wilt and die. Control cutworms by removing plant debris from the soil, handpicking, and using a biological control like Bacillus thuringiensis (BT).
Regular monitoring of the plant and early intervention can help prevent severe infestations of pests and diseases. Make sure to maintain good soil and plant hygiene, and avoid over-fertilization and over-watering.
