Origin and Common Names
Eriogonum panguicense (M.E. Jones) Reveal var. alpestre (S. Stokes) Reveal, commonly known as Panguitch buckwheat, belongs to the family Polygonaceae. This plant is endemic to Utah, USA, where it grows on the Markagunt Plateau. The common name "Panguitch" is derived from the Native American Paiute language, meaning "water and fish."Appearance
Panguitch buckwheat is a perennial herb that grows up to 5-20 cm tall. The leaves are basal and narrow, measuring 3-6 cm long, and have a woolly texture. The inflorescence is a dense cluster of small pink to white flowers that bloom from June to September. The flowers are perfect, which means they have both male and female reproductive organs.Uses
Panguitch buckwheat has significant ecological value. As a native plant, it is well adapted to the harsh climate of the Markagunt Plateau and provides important habitat and food for local wildlife species. Additionally, the plant is useful in stabilizing soils and preventing erosion. In terms of its human uses, there is little information available. However, as a member of the genus Eriogonum, Panguitch buckwheat likely has some medicinal or nutritional properties. Some species in this genus have been used traditionally to treat various ailments, including respiratory and digestive issues, and their seeds have been used as food sources by Native American tribes. In summary, Panguitch buckwheat is a small but ecologically valuable plant species that grows in Utah. It has a dense cluster of pink to white flowers that bloom from June to September, and its narrow, woolly-textured leaves grow up to 6 cm long. While it is primarily used for its essential role in the local ecosystem, this plant likely has some medicinal or nutritional properties that warrant further exploration.Light Requirements
Eriogonum panguicense var. alpestre is a sun-loving plant that requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It is predominantly found in open, rocky alpine slopes, ridges, and talus fields, indicating its need for abundant sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Eriogonum panguicense var. alpestre is native to the higher elevations of the Great Basin region, where temperatures usually range between 58°F (14.4°C) and 77°F (25°C) during daylight. It prefers cool soil temperatures and can tolerate freezing temperatures. The plant's high-elevation natural range suggests that it is well-adapted to cold, harsh alpine conditions.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum panguicense var. alpestre thrives in well-draining, porous, rocky, and often nutrient-poor soils. It grows in gravelly, loamy, and sandy soils with varying textures, but it mainly prefers coarse-textured sandy soils that do not retain much moisture. Due to its ability to take up water rapidly, it is often found growing on rocky outcrops and steep slopes where water drains quickly.
Cultivation methods
Eriogonum panguicense var. alpestre is a cold-hardy plant that thrives in rocky areas, mountains, and slopes. When cultivating this plant, ensure that it is planted in well-draining soil with good drainage to prevent the roots from rotting. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0) and rich in organic matter.
The plant prefers full sun exposure, although it can tolerate light shade. It is essential to ensure that the plant is not exposed to too much moisture, as this can cause root rot and other diseases that can damage the plant.
Watering needs
Eriogonum panguicense var. alpestre does not require frequent watering and prefers a dry climate. The plant is drought-tolerant, and watering once a week during the summer is sufficient. Ensure the soil is allowed to dry out between watering.
During the winter months, watering should be avoided as this can lead to root rot. Always use water that is at room temperature to avoid shocking the plant roots.
Fertilization
Eriogonum panguicense var. alpestre does not require much fertilization, as it can obtain all the nutrients it needs from the soil. If the soil is lacking in nutrients, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied once a year in the early spring, before new growth appears.
It is essential to apply a minimal amount of fertilizer, as an excess of nitrogen can cause the plant to produce more foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Eriogonum panguicense var. alpestre generally does not require much pruning, although deadheading can be done to encourage the plant to produce more flowers. Deadheading involves removing the spent flowers before they form seeds.
Infrequent pruning can be done to remove any dead or diseased branches. Pruning the plant during the winter is recommended to remove any damaged or old growth, allowing for new growth in the spring.
Propagation of Eriogonum panguicense var. alpestre
Eriogonum panguicense var. alpestre, commonly known as alpine wild buckwheat, is a herbaceous perennial native to western United States and Canada. It grows in subalpine and alpine regions in meadows, rocky slopes, and talus slopes. It has showy white to pink blooms that appear in the summer.
Propagation Methods
Eriogonum panguicense var. alpestre can be propagated by seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Eriogonum panguicense var. alpestre can be collected from mature plants in late summer or early fall. The collected seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until ready to use. Before planting, the seeds should be stratified for 2 to 3 weeks by storing them in a refrigerator at approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit. After stratification, the seeds can be planted in seed trays or directly in the ground. It is recommended to plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and to cover them lightly with soil. Water the seeds lightly and keep the soil moist until germination occurs, which typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Eriogonum panguicense var. alpestre can also be propagated by taking stem cuttings from mature plants in the summer months. The cuttings should be 3 to 4 inches long and taken from healthy, non-flowering stems. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and water it lightly. Place the cutting in a shaded area and cover it with a plastic bag or a clear plastic container to create a humid environment. Keep the soil moist and mist the cutting occasionally. After 4 to 6 weeks, the cutting should start to produce roots, and the plastic covering can be removed. The rooted cutting can then be transplanted to a permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriogonum panguicense (M.E. Jones) Reveal var. alpestre (S. Stokes) Reveal
Eriogonum panguicense (M.E. Jones) Reveal var. alpestre (S. Stokes) Reveal is a beautiful plant with small, white or pink flowers that bloom in the summer and fall. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that could damage or even kill it. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Powdery Mildew: This is a common fungal disease that affects many different types of plants, including Eriogonum panguicense. Powdery mildew appears as a white or gray powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. To manage it, do not water the plant from above as it promotes the development of powdery mildew. Also, remove any infected leaves or stems and dispose of them in the trash.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of Eriogonum panguicense, causing them to rot and eventually die. This disease is typically caused by overwatering, and it can be prevented by checking the soil moisture regularly and allowing the soil to dry out between watering. If root rot develops, the infected parts should be removed, and the soil should be replaced.
Pests
Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves of Eriogonum panguicense, leading to leaf distortion, yellowing, and stunted growth. To manage aphids on this plant, spray it with a forceful water stream or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaf discoloration and eventually leaf drop. They are difficult to see with the naked eye, but you can detect their presence by observing the small web-like structures they produce on the plant. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with a strong water stream or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Eriogonum panguicense (M.E. Jones) Reveal var. alpestre (S. Stokes) Reveal is a stunning plant that could add aesthetics and value to any garden or landscape. By following these disease and pest management tips, you can keep your plant healthy and beautiful for a longer time, even in adverse conditions.
