Origin
Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. paynei (C.B. Wolf ex Munz) Reveal, commonly known as Payne's Buckwheat, is a flowering plant indigenous to California in the United States. It is found in the southern coastal ranges from San Luis Obispo southward into San Diego County.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Payne's Buckwheat due to its founder Edgar T. Payne, an artist who discovered the plant in the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains in 1928. Other regional common names include Lompoc buckwheat, small-leaved buckwheat, and papoose's buckwheat.
Uses
The Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. paynei has traditionally been used as a medicinal plant by indigenous groups in California. It was used to treat stomach and digestive problems and was also utilized to prevent the infection of wounds by both the Chumash and Kumeyaay tribes. Payne's Buckwheat is also widely used as an ornamental plant, landscaping feature, and to restore habitats lost to invasive plant species or wildfires.
General Appearance
Payne's Buckwheat is a shrub that grows up to 3 feet tall and wide. It has clusters of small white to pinkish flowers that are in bloom between May and August. The leaves of the plant are small (~1/2 to 1 inch), evergreen, and thick on top, which helps to protect them from the harsh climate of the California coast. The roots of the plant are strong and allow the plant to quickly grow back after a wildfire or other disturbances that may occur in the area.
Overall, Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. paynei is a beautiful and versatile plant with many traditional uses. Its clusters of small white to pinkish flowers add a striking accent to any garden or landscape, and its hardiness makes it a valuable asset to ecosystems recovering from disturbances.Light Requirements:
Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. paynei is a sun-loving plant that thrives in full sunlight. It is not suitable for shady areas since it needs direct sunlight to grow. Therefore, it is ideal to plant this species in an area with a bright and sunny environment.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant species is well adapted to the dry, warm climate of its native range; thus, it has low-temperature requirements. Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. paynei can withstand high temperatures and drought conditions. It is best suited for USDA zones 7 to 10, where the average minimum temperature does not fall below -12.2 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements:
Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. paynei prefers well-drained soils that are gravelly, sandy or loam, and not heavy clay soils. The soil pH should be between 6.0-8.0, which is slightly alkaline to neutral. This plant species is adapted to areas with low nutrient levels; thus, it doesn't require nutrient-rich soils. In fact, too much fertilization can harm the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. paynei (C.B. Wolf ex Munz) Reveal is a native plant found in various areas of California and can be grown in a garden setting. It prefers a dry, well-draining soil with full sun exposure. When planting, select a location with enough space to accommodate the plant's growth as it can spread up to 3 feet in diameter. For best results, plant in early spring or early fall when the temperatures are mild.
Watering Needs
Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. paynei (C.B. Wolf ex Munz) Reveal is a drought-tolerant plant that requires very little watering once established. It is essential not to overwater as it can cause root rot and other diseases. Watering should be done deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. During hot and dry periods, increase watering frequency to prevent wilting.
Fertilization
Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. paynei (C.B. Wolf ex Munz) Reveal typically does not require fertilization as it can source nutrients from the soil. If the plant is experiencing slow growth or poor foliage development, it may indicate a nutrient deficiency. In such instances, it is advisable to fertilize using a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for optimal results.
Pruning
Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. paynei (C.B. Wolf ex Munz) Reveal does not require frequent pruning, but an occasional trim can help maintain the desired shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning can be done in early spring before the plant begins actively growing. Remove dead stems and leaves, weak branches, or those that are crossing to prevent rubbing that can cause damage and promote disease. Use sterile pruning shears to make clean cuts to avoid damaging the plant's branches.
Propagation of Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. paynei
Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. paynei or the Payne's buckwheat is a small, perennial shrub that can grow up to 1-3 ft tall and 2-3 ft wide. The plant is native to California, specifically the chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats of San Diego County. Propagation of the shrub can be done by several methods, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and division propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is an easy and effective way to propagate Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. paynei. Collect the seeds in the fall when the seed heads have turned brown and dry. In spring, plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix, and water regularly to keep the soil moist. The plants should germinate within 2-3 weeks, and can be transplanted into the ground or a larger container once they have grown to a suitable size.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another method for propagating Payne's buckwheat. Take cuttings from the parent plant during the summer when the plant is actively growing. Choose healthy stems with no flowers or buds, and cut them to a length of about 4-5 inches. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem, and plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Water the cutting regularly and keep it in a shaded area until the roots have formed. Once roots have formed, gradually introduce the plant to more sunlight and transplant it to a larger container or the ground.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is a method best suited for mature Eriogonum parvifolium plants. In early spring, dig up the entire plant, and gently separate the roots and stems into smaller sections. Each section should have several stems and an adequate root system. Replant each section in a new location, making sure to give each plant enough space to grow and develop.
With proper care and attention, Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. paynei can be propagated successfully using any of these methods.
Disease Management
Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. paynei is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, it can be susceptible to a few diseases. The two most common diseases that might affect the plant are powdery mildew and root rot. Powdery mildew can appear as white, powdery spots on the leaves and stems. Root rot can cause the plant's leaves to wilt and turn yellow.
To manage powdery mildew, the plant's leaves should be kept dry, and proper air circulation should be provided. Fungicides, including neem oil and horticultural oils, can be used to control powdery mildew. Care should be taken when applying any chemical fungicides to avoid damaging the plant.
If root rot is suspected, the affected plant should be removed from the soil and replanted in a well-draining soil mixture. The surrounding soil should be treated with fungicides to prevent further spread of the disease. Overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot to develop.
Pest Management
Eriogonum parvifolium Sm. var. paynei is not commonly attacked by pests. However, spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs can occasionally infest the plant. Spider mites can cause leaf yellowing and webbing. Aphids can cause distorted and stunted growth. Mealybugs can cause sticky honeydew to form on the plant, which can attract ants and lead to the growth of black sooty mold on the leaves.
To manage spider mites, a strong stream of water can be used to dislodge them from the plant. Insecticidal soap and horticultural oils can also be used to control spider mites. To control aphids, beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced to the area. Insecticidal soap can also be used to control aphids. To manage mealybugs, a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol can be used to remove them from the plant. Insecticidal soap can also be used to control mealybug infestations.
Regular monitoring of the plant for pest infestations is crucial. Early detection and control of pests can prevent damage to the plant and reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
