Origin
Eriogonum panamintense Morton var. mensicola (S. Stokes) Reveal is a plant species that is native to California in the United States. Specifically, it is found in the Inyo and Mono counties of eastern California.
Common Names
This plant species is commonly known as Panamint Mountains buckwheat or Panamint Mountains wild buckwheat.
Uses
Eriogonum panamintense Morton var. mensicola does not have many known uses. However, it is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and the unique shape of the leaves.
General Appearance
Panamint Mountains buckwheat is a small, perennial shrub that grows up to 50 centimeters in height. The leaves of the plant are narrow and elongated, with a gray-green color. The flowers are small and appear in clusters at the end of the stems. They are typically a pink or white color. The plant blooms from July to September.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum panamintense Morton var. mensicola (S. Stokes) Reveal typically thrives in full sunlight exposure. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the plant receives direct sunlight for at least six hours daily, preferably in the morning.
Temperature Requirements
The plant often grows in harsh, arid environments with extreme temperature fluctuations. It thrives best in daytime temperatures between 60°F-80°F and nighttime temperatures between 20°F- 50°F. The plant can tolerate occasional frost, but it is not frost-resistant.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum panamintense Morton var. mensicola (S. Stokes) Reveal typically grows in rocky and sandy soils with good drainage. The plant thrives in soil with a pH range of 6.0-8.5. The ideal soil type should have a medium texture with low fertility and high water-holding capacity, allowing the roots to access sufficient nutrients and moisture. Additionally, the plant often requires soil with a high calcium content, which provides sufficient nutrients for growth.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum panamintense Morton var. mensicola is a low-growing, drought-tolerant perennial plant that thrives in well-draining soil. The plant should be grown in full sun and can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or by dividing the roots of older plants.
When planting the seeds, it’s important to ensure that they are sown at a depth of no more than ¼ inch. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the seedlings should be thinned to 12-18 inches apart to avoid overcrowding and encourage growth.
Watering Needs
Eriogonum panamintense Morton var. mensicola is drought-tolerant and only requires watering once every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. However, it’s important not to let the soil dry out completely, as this can lead to leaf curling and wilting.
To ensure that the plant receives adequate water, it’s recommended to water deeply, allowing the water to penetrate the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches. This promotes deep root growth and helps the plant handle prolonged dry spells.
Fertilization
Eriogonum panamintense Morton var. mensicola is a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t require frequent fertilization. However, adding a slow-release fertilizer to the soil during the planting process can improve growth and overall health.
When choosing a fertilizer, look for one with a balanced N-P-K ratio. The plant should be fertilized once per year in the spring, after new growth has emerged. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates and methods.
Pruning
Eriogonum panamintense Morton var. mensicola is a low-maintenance plant that doesn’t require regular pruning. However, it’s important to remove any dead or diseased leaves and stems to improve the plant’s appearance and overall health.
Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant, and make cuts just above a healthy leaf node.
Propagation of Eriogonum panamintense Morton var. mensicola (S. Stokes) Reveal
Eriogonum panamintense Morton var. mensicola (S. Stokes) Reveal, also known as the Panamint Mountains wild buckwheat, is a California native plant that belongs to the Polygonaceae family. It is a low-growing shrub that typically grows up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide. The plant produces clusters of small white or pinkish flowers from late summer to fall and has green or grayish leaves.
Propagation of Eriogonum panamintense Morton var. mensicola (S. Stokes) Reveal is relatively easy. It can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or division.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method. The seeds can be collected from mature plants in the fall and can either be sown directly in the ground or started indoors. To sow the seeds directly in the ground, prepare the soil by removing weeds and cultivating the top layer. The seeds should be scattered evenly on the soil, and lightly covered with soil. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate. If starting seeds indoors, sow the seeds in containers filled with a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a warm and bright location. The seeds should germinate within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another effective method. The cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer from new growth. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and have at least three nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a container filled with a well-draining potting mix, and keep the soil moist. The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks. Once roots have formed, the new plant can be transplanted into a larger container or outdoors.
Propagation by division
Propagation by division is a method used to propagate mature plants. It involves digging up the plant and dividing the root ball into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one shoot and a healthy root system. Replant the smaller sections in a well-draining soil mixture. Water the plant thoroughly and keep the soil moist until it settles in.
With proper care and maintenance, Eriogonum panamintense Morton var. mensicola (S. Stokes) Reveal can thrive for many years. Propagation is an excellent way to expand your garden and share the beauty of this native California plant with others.
Disease Management
Eriogonum panamintense Morton var. mensicola is generally a hardy plant species and is not prone to serious diseases or health problems. However, certain fungal pathogens and bacterial infections may occur in some situations.
Avoid overwatering the plant, both at the root level and leaf level, as it may lead to the development of fungal infections.
If foliage blight is seen, prune the infected part and immediately dispose of them. Spraying the plant with a fungicide, approved for use on Erigoium, may be necessary to prevent the blight from spreading in the entire plant.
Crown rot is another problem that may occur in poorly drained soils. Carefully inspect the roots, and discard any infected material. Adjusting the watering schedule and improving the soil drainage can help prevent reoccurrence of this problem.
Pest Management
Several pests may attack Eriogonum panamintense Morton var. mensicola. Insect pests, such as aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs, suck the plant juices and weaken the plant. Regular monitoring of the plant and early detection of infestations are the keys to effective pest control.
A spray of neem oil, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil can help reduce infestations. Beneficial insects, including ladybugs and lacewings, may be used to control aphids.
The Western Flower Thrips can scar and disfigure flower buds. Control by spraying with insecticides often does not have enough impact even on populations of Thrips. Control with maybe bettered through Natural Predators, proper plant selection and early detection of problems can help minimize this issue.
Cutworms, which cut the stems of young plants at the soil level can be controlled by surrounding the plant with a collar at the base. This can be made from cardboard or tinfoil and needs to be approximately three inches in diameter and one inch in the height. This serves as physical barriers against cutworms.
Regular inspections and proper cultural practices, such as regular sanitation or pruning, will help maintain the health of the plants and reduce the damage caused by pests. Prompt action at the initial sign of infestations is crucial in controlling pests from spreading to other healthy plants.
