Origin
Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. lucidum (J.T. Howell ex S. Stokes) Reveal, commonly known as Shiny-leaf Buckwheat, is a perennial flowering plant native to California, Oregon, and Nevada in the United States.
Common Names
Shiny-leaf Buckwheat is also called Coast Buckwheat, Small-leaf Buckwheat, and Wild Buckwheat.
Uses
Shiny-leaf Buckwheat has several uses. Native Americans have traditionally used the plant for medicinal purposes to treat wounds, sores, and infections. The plant is also a valuable source of food for several pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths. Additionally, the plant helps improve soil fertility due to its association with mycorrhizae fungi that provide nutrients to the roots.
General Appearance
Shiny-leaf Buckwheat is a low-growing shrub that can reach up to 2 feet (0.6 meters) in height. The plant has glossy, elliptical leaves that are green on the top surface and silvery-white on the bottom surface. The plant produces clusters of small, white to pinkish flowers that bloom from July to October. The flowers are rich in nectar, attracting many pollinators to the plant. The seeds of Shiny-leaf Buckwheat are small, triangular, and surrounded by three wings.
Growth Conditions for Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. lucidum
Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. lucidum requires specific growth conditions to thrive. Below are the recommended growth conditions for this plant.
Light
Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. lucidum thrives in full sun or partial shade conditions. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for its optimal growth. In areas with strong sunlight or hot climates, partial shade may be necessary to prevent sunburn and excessive moisture loss.
Temperature
Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. lucidum is known to grow well in moderate to cool temperatures. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of about -5? (23?) and a maximum temperature of about 30? (86?). It is suitable for USDA zones 8 through 10, which have average minimum temperatures ranging from -12? (10?) to 13? (55?).
Soil
Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. lucidum prefers well-drained and slightly acidic soil. It grows well in sandy or sandy-loam soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.2. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. The plant can tolerate moderate drought conditions, but excessive moisture can cause root rot. Therefore, the soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. lucidum is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It is best grown from seeds which can be collected from the flowers after they have bloomed. The seeds should be planted in the fall or early spring. Before sowing the seeds, remove any debris or weeds from the planting area. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water lightly.
Watering Needs
The plant has low to moderate watering needs that require adequate drainage to avoid waterlogging. Watering should be done deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering cycles. The general rule of thumb is to water the plant once a week but increase the frequency during hot summers.
Fertilization
Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. lucidum requires little to no fertilization as it is a native plant that is adapted to living in poor soils. However, if your soil is poor, you can add a small amount of nitrogen-rich fertilizer in late winter or early spring to promote growth.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. lucidum as it is a low-growing plant that maintains its shape without intervention. However, if needed, the plant can be pruned lightly in the early spring or after flowering to maintain its shape or size.
Propagation of Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. lucidum
Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. lucidum, commonly known as the dwarf buckwheat or the shiny-leaved buckwheat, can be propagated through division, seed, and cuttings.
Division
Division is a reliable method for propagating Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. lucidum. The ideal time to divide the plant is during the fall or early spring. It is essential to ensure that each divided section of the plant has a sufficient amount of roots and foliage. Once replanted, provide regular watering until the new plant is well established.
Seed
Propagation from seeds is another option for Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. lucidum. The seeds should be collected in the late summer and should be sown immediately or stored in a cool, dry place. Seeds can be planted in containers or directly into the planting site. Planting the seeds in the fall is ideal since this allows the seeds to undergo the natural winter stratification that it requires before germination. Water the newly planted seeds regularly. Germination may take several weeks to a few months.
Cuttings
Cuttings are a popular method of propagation for many types of plants, including Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. lucidum. Take cuttings in early to mid-summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be at least four inches long and should include a pair of leaves. Place the cuttings in moist sand or a well-draining medium, keeping them out of direct sunlight and in a cool environment with high humidity. Rooting will take two to three months. Once the cuttings have rooted, transplant them into individual containers or directly into the planting site.
Disease Management
Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. lucidum, commonly known as Coast buckwheat or Coastal California buckwheat, is prone to certain diseases that can affect its growth and overall health. Some of the common diseases that can affect this plant include powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot.
Powdery mildew appears as a white or grayish powdery coating on the surface of the leaves, stems, and flowers. It can cause the leaves to become distorted, yellow, and fall off. To manage this disease, you can remove the infected plant parts and destroy them. You can also apply a fungicide to control the disease.
Rust is another disease that can affect Eriogonum parvifolium. It appears as yellow or orange powdery spots on the leaves, and it can cause them to become yellow and fall off. To manage rust, you can prune the infected plant parts and destroy them. You can also apply a fungicide to control the disease.
Leaf spots appear as dark, water-soaked spots on the leaves. These spots can grow bigger and eventually cause the leaves to fall off. To manage leaf spots, you can remove the infected plant parts and destroy them. You can also apply a fungicide to control the disease.
Pest Management
Aside from diseases, Eriogonum parvifolium is also prone to certain pests that can damage the plant. Some of the common pests that can affect this plant include spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs.
Spider mites are tiny pests that can suck the sap out of the leaves, causing them to become yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, you can use neem oil or insecticidal soap. These can be sprayed on the plant to control the pest.
Aphids are another pest that can damage Eriogonum parvifolium. They suck the sap out of the leaves, causing them to become yellow and distorted. To manage aphids, you can spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or use ladybugs to control the pest.
Mealybugs are another pest that can affect this plant. They appear as white, cottony masses on the stem and leaves, and they can cause the plant to become weak and stunted. To manage mealybugs, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also remove the pest manually with a cotton swab or a stream of water.
