Origin
Eriogonum shockleyi S. Wats. ssp. longilobum (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes, commonly known as Shockley's Buckwheat, is a species of flowering plant that is native to the western United States. It is primarily found in the Great Basin region, which includes parts of Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah.
Common Names
Common names for Eriogonum shockleyi S. Wats. ssp. longilobum (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes include Shockley's Buckwheat, Long-lobe Buckwheat, and Shockley's Wild Buckwheat.
Uses
Eriogonum shockleyi is a useful plant for native landscaping due to its relatively low water requirements and ability to adapt to sunny, dry conditions. It can attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
General Appearance
Eriogonum shockleyi S. Wats. ssp. longilobum (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes is a mat-forming perennial shrub that typically grows to be 10-20 cm tall. Its leaves are generally small, ranging in length from 5-25 mm, and are gray-green in color. The flowers of the plant are largely white or pale yellow and grow in clusters at the end of long stems. The plant blooms from late spring to early fall.
Light conditions
The plant Eriogonum shockleyi S. Wats. ssp. longilobum (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes requires full sun exposure to grow optimally. It thrives under bright sunlight and cannot survive in shady areas. Therefore, it is suitable for planting in open areas or in places where it can receive unobstructed sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature requirements
The plant Eriogonum shockleyi S. Wats. ssp. longilobum (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes is generally adapted to dry, arid climates, hence, it can tolerate high temperatures. The plant is common in desert regions and can sustain very hot temperatures. However, it cannot withstand frost or very low temperatures. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it in areas with mild winters and hot summers.
Soil requirements
The plant Eriogonum shockleyi S. Wats. ssp. longilobum (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes prefers well-draining soils with low fertility or nutrients. The plant can tolerate alkaline or slightly acidic soils. It can grow on rocky soils, sandy soils, or even clay soils, as long as there is good drainage. Too much water retention in the soil may lead to root rot or other diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that soil drainage is sufficient, particularly during the plant's initial growth stages.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum shockleyi S. Wats. ssp. longilobum (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes, commonly known as Shockley's buckwheat, is a perennial plant that thrives in sandy or rocky soils in dry, arid environments. When planting Shockley's buckwheat, it is essential to select a well-draining soil mix that is low in organic matter, as this plant prefers soils with low fertility. It is also important to plant Shockley's buckwheat in a location that receives full sun exposure.
Propagation of Shockley's buckwheat can be done through seed or stem cuttings. When planting seeds, it is best to sow them in the fall, allowing the seeds to undergo stratification over the winter before germinating in the spring. Stem cuttings can be taken in early spring, before new growth begins.
Watering Needs
Shockley's buckwheat is a drought-tolerant plant and requires minimal irrigation once established. When first planting, it is essential to provide the plant with regular irrigation until it becomes established. After that, it is recommended to water the plant only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Shockley's buckwheat does not require regular fertilization as it prefers soils with low fertility. Applying fertilizer can lead to excessive vegetative growth and may reduce flower production. However, if the soil is particularly poor, a light application of fertilizer can be applied in the spring before new growth begins.
Pruning
Pruning of Shockley's buckwheat should be minimal. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage additional blooms throughout the growing season. In the fall, after the plant has finished blooming, cutting the stems back to the ground will help to maintain a more compact growth habit and prepare the plant for the winter months.
Propagation of Eriogonum shockleyi S. Wats. ssp. longilobum (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes
Eriogonum shockleyi S. Wats. ssp. longilobum (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes, commonly known as Shockley's buckwheat, is a perennial plant that is native to the western United States. The plant typically grows on rocky slopes, dry washes, and sandy or gravelly soils in desert and semi-desert regions. Propagation of Eriogonum shockleyi can be achieved through various methods.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Eriogonum shockleyi can be done through seeds. The seeds should be collected in the fall after they have turned brown and dried. They should be stored in a cool and dry place until the spring when they can be sown.
Before sowing, the seeds should be scarified to remove the hard seed coat. This can be done by rubbing the seeds between two sheets of sandpaper or by soaking them in hot water for a few hours. The seeds can then be sown in a well-drained soil mix and covered lightly with soil.
The seeds should be watered regularly and kept in a warm location until they germinate, which can take up to several weeks. Once the seedlings begin to grow, they should be transplanted into individual pots until they are large enough to be planted outside.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation of Eriogonum shockleyi can also be done through cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in early spring when the new growth is just starting to appear.
Cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth, making sure that they are at least 4 inches long and include a node. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and then planted in a well-drained soil mix. They should be watered regularly and kept in a warm and shaded location until they develop roots, which can take several weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to a larger container and then planted outside.
In conclusion, Eriogonum shockleyi S. Wats. ssp. longilobum (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes is a beautiful and drought-tolerant plant that can be propagated through both seed and cutting methods. With proper care and maintenance, this plant can thrive in various conditions and add value to any garden or landscape.
Disease Management
Eriogonum shockleyi ssp. longilobum is susceptible to various diseases, including powdery mildew, rust, and root rot, which can affect its growth and survival.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is crucial to maintain adequate air circulation around the plant, reduce the humidity level and avoid overhead watering. Fungal sprays, neem oil, and sulfur-based fungicides can also help control powdery mildew.
Rust, another fungal disease that affects Eriogonum shockleyi ssp. longilobum, appears as yellow, orange, or red spots on leaves and stems. It can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. To control rust, it is essential to remove infected leaves and stems and dispose of them properly. Fungicides containing copper or sulfur can also help to manage rust.
Root rot is a common disease caused by fungus or soil-borne pathogens that infect the roots of the plant, leading to wilting, stunted growth, and eventual death. To manage root rot, it is essential to ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Furthermore, using sterile soil mix and avoiding replanting the plant in the same soil can also help to prevent the spread of root rot.
Pest Management
Eriogonum shockleyi ssp. longilobum is susceptible to various insect pests, including aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs, which can cause damage to the plant by feeding on its leaves and sucking the sap from its tissues.
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that usually feed on the underside of leaves and tender stems. To control aphids, it is essential to wash them off with a strong jet of water or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to the affected plant parts.
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that feed on the plant's sap, causing leaves to yellow or stipple. To control spider mites, it is crucial to increase humidity around the plant, as they thrive in dry conditions. Neem oil, horticultural oils, or insecticidal soap can be applied to control spider mites.
Mealybugs are small, white, waxy insects that commonly infest the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers. They weaken the plant by feeding on its sap and secreting honeydew, which attracts ants and encourages mold growth. To control mealybugs, it is crucial to remove infected plant parts, use a strong stream of water, or apply an insecticidal soap solution or neem oil spray.
Regular inspection and monitoring of the plant can help detect and manage pests and diseases early, preventing further damage to the plant and ensuring its healthy growth and survival.
