Origin
Eriogonum pauciflorum Pursh var. canum (S. Stokes) Reveal is a species of plant in the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae) native to North America. It is mainly found in the western United States and parts of Canada, particularly in California.
Common Names
Eriogonum pauciflorum Pursh var. canum has several common names, including Cushion Wild Buckwheat, Daisy Buckwheat, Cushion Buckwheat, and Few-flowered Eriogonum. The plant is also known locally as Poached-egg Plant due to its white and yellow flowers resembling a poached egg.
Uses
Although Eriogonum pauciflorum Pursh var. canum mostly serves as an ornamental plant, it has traditional medicinal uses. Indigenous people used its roots as a herbal remedy for stomach aches, fever, and cold symptoms.
General Appearance
Eriogonum pauciflorum Pursh var. canum is a small, herbaceous plant with a woody base. The plant typically grows to be about 1 to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. The leaves are greyish-green, and the stems often appear woody at the base. The flowers are white to yellow, with a central disk of yellow stamens surrounded by white petals. The plant commonly blooms from late spring to early summer.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum pauciflorum Pursh var. canum (S. Stokes) Reveal requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It is considered a sun-loving plant but can tolerate partial shade, especially in areas with particularly hot summers.
Temperature Requirements
Eriogonum pauciflorum Pursh var. canum (S. Stokes) Reveal is native to high elevations found in the mountains of California. As such, it has adapted to cooler temperatures and can withstand frosts and occasional snow. The plant prefers a cool to moderate climate, with average summer temperatures between 65-75°F and winter temperatures between 30-50°F.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum pauciflorum Pursh var. canum (S. Stokes) Reveal is typically found in sandy soils with good drainage. It can also grow in rocky areas, often in association with granite or volcanic soils. The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. It is tolerant to drought once established but performs best with occasional watering during the dry season.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum pauciflorum Pursh var. canum (S. Stokes) Reveal, commonly known as Cushenbury buckwheat, prefers a dry climate with well-drained soil. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or gravelly soils. To cultivate this plant, you should ensure that the soil has a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 and has plenty of sunlight.
You can plant the Cushenbury buckwheat seeds in the early spring when the weather begins to warm up. Since the plant is drought-resistant, it doesn't require regular watering.
Watering Needs
Cushenbury buckwheat, like other desert plants, thrives in hot and dry conditions. Therefore, it's important to avoid overwatering the plant as it can lead to root rot. You can water the plant once a week or every two weeks, depending on the weather conditions.
The best way to water Eriogonum pauciflorum Pursh var. canum is to give it a deep soak rather than shallow watering. This ensures that moisture reaches the plant's roots, promoting healthy growth.
Fertilization
Cushenbury buckwheat doesn’t require frequent fertilization and can grow well without added nutrients. However, if the soil is deficient in some nutrients, you can apply fertilizer to supplement the soil. It’s best to use a low-nitrogen fertilizer and apply it in early spring to promote healthy growth.
If you choose to use commercial fertilizers, follow the manufacturer's instructions on the packet closely. Over-fertilizing can result in scorching the plant's roots, leading to poor health and growth.
Pruning
Eriogonum pauciflorum Pursh var. canum does not require frequent pruning. However, you can prune it to remove old or diseased growth. Pruning should be done in the fall to promote new growth in the spring.
When pruning the plant, use a clean pair of scissors or pruning shears to avoid transmitting infections to the healthy parts of the plant. Cut the branches at a 45-degree angle and remove any growth that is less than 20 cm from the base of the plant.
Since the Cushenbury buckwheat is a low-growing shrub, pruning isn't necessary unless it begins to outgrow its allotted space.
Propagation of Eriogonum Pauciflorum Pursh var. Canum (S. Stokes) Reveal
Eriogonum pauciflorum var. canum is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Polygonaceae family. This plant is commonly known as the Cushenbury buckwheat and is native to California. Propagation of Eriogonum pauciflorum var. canum can be achieved through various methods such as seed propagation, division of root crowns, and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The most common propagation method for Eriogonum pauciflorum var. canum is through seed propagation. Seeds can be collected from mature plants during the fall. The seeds should be stored in a cool and dry place until they are ready for planting in the spring. Before planting, the seeds should be treated with hot water or soaked in a smoke or gibberellic acid solution to improve germination rates.
Seeds can be planted directly into the soil, or they can be started in pots indoors and transplanted outside once they have germinated and grown large enough. It is important to keep the soil moist during germination, and the seedlings should be provided with adequate sunlight.
Division of Root Crowns
Propagation of Eriogonum pauciflorum var. canum can also be achieved through division of root crowns. This method is best done during the fall or early spring when the plant is dormant. The root crown should be dug up, and the plant should be carefully separated into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system intact.
These smaller divisions can then be replanted in a new location, ensuring that the soil is kept moist until new growth appears.
Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Eriogonum pauciflorum var. canum can also be achieved through stem cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting from a healthy, mature plant and planting it in a rooting medium. The cutting should be at least 4 inches long and have several leaves attached.
The cutting should be planted in a sandy or well-draining soil mix, and it should be kept moist until new growth appears. The cutting should be placed in a bright location but out of direct sunlight until it has established roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriogonum pauciflorum Pursh var. canum
Eriogonum pauciflorum Pursh var. canum, commonly known as the cushion buckwheat, is a hardy and drought-resistant plant native to western North America. It can survive adverse environmental conditions and is generally disease and pest-resistant. However, certain factors can stress the plant and make it susceptible to diseases and pests. Here are a few common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes dark spots on the leaves of the plant. The affected leaves eventually turn yellow and fall off. To manage leaf spot, prune the affected leaves and dispose of them carefully. Water the plant from the base and avoid wetting the leaves. If the disease persists, apply a fungicide as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Root Rot: Overwatering and poor drainage can lead to the development of root rot in the plant. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and falling of leaves. To manage root rot, reduce watering frequency, improve drainage by adding organic matter to the soil and ensure that the plant receives adequate sunlight and air circulation.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can secrete a sticky substance on the leaves, which promotes the growth of sooty mold. To manage aphids, hose down the plant with a strong jet of water or apply an insecticidal soap solution as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, regularly spray the plant with water, prune the affected leaves, and apply a miticide as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Regular inspection of the plant can help detect diseases and pests at an early stage and prevent their spread. It is also essential to maintain good hygiene practices, such as cleaning garden tools and disposing of diseased plant material, to prevent the spread of diseases and pests in the garden.
