Origin
Eriogonum spathulatum Gray var. panguicense (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes, commonly known as Panguitch Buckwheat, is a flowering plant that is native to the western United States, specifically in Utah and Nevada.
Common Names
Panguitch Buckwheat is commonly known as Panguitch Skyrocket and Panguitch Eriogonum.
Uses
Panguitch Buckwheat has various uses. Its leaves and stems are used as a medicinal herb for treating stomachaches, diarrhea, and sore throats. It is also used as an ornamental plant, often planted to stabilize and beautify the soil of arid areas with low fertility such as roadsides and slopes. Lastly, its seeds are a source of food and have been used by the Paiute Indians as a food staple.
General Appearance
Panguitch Buckwheat is a low-growing perennial herb that grows up to 20 cm tall with a spreading or mounding habit. The leaves are small, spatulate, and alternate, and the inflorescence is a dense, compact cluster of small pink flowers, which bloom from June to August. The seeds are small, shiny, dark brown, and triangular in shape.
Light requirements
Eriogonum spathulatum Gray var. panguicense (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes is a plant that thrives in full sun. This species requires direct sunlight for most of the day to grow and thrive. Therefore, it's essential to ensure that the plant is placed in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight.
Temperature requirements
Eriogonum spathulatum Gray var. panguicense (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes is a hardy plant that can tolerate high temperatures. This species has been known to grow in areas with temperatures ranging from 10 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius. However, the plant prefers warm temperatures between 20 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it's best to maintain temperatures within this range to ensure optimal growth.
Soil requirements
The soil requirements for Eriogonum spathulatum Gray var. panguicense (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes are well-drained, sandy or rocky soils. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to alkaline, ideally between 6.5 and 7.5. In addition, this species is adapted to grow in high mineral soil with low organic matter content. Therefore, adding organic matter to the soil is not necessary.
Cultivation of Eriogonum spathulatum Gray var. panguicense (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes
Eriogonum spathulatum Gray var. panguicense (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes is an evergreen shrub that grows in dry, rocky areas. It is a tough plant that can adapt to different soil conditions, but it prefers well-drained soil. The plant requires full sun and moderate watering. It is a low-maintenance plant that is resistant to diseases and pests.
Watering Needs of Eriogonum spathulatum Gray var. panguicense (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes
The watering needs of Eriogonum spathulatum Gray var. panguicense (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes are moderate. The plant requires watering once a week during the growing season and once every two weeks during the dormant season. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained. Watering should be reduced during periods of rainfall.
Fertilization of Eriogonum spathulatum Gray var. panguicense (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes
Eriogonum spathulatum Gray var. panguicense (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes does not require frequent fertilization. Fertilizer can be applied once a year during the growing season. A slow-release, balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be used. Organic fertilizers such as compost or manure can also be used. Over-fertilization can cause excessive growth and reduce the plant's hardiness.
Pruning of Eriogonum spathulatum Gray var. panguicense (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes
Pruning is not necessary for Eriogonum spathulatum Gray var. panguicense (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes. However, if pruning is desired, it should be done after the plant has finished flowering. Dead or damaged branches can be removed at any time. The plant can be shaped to maintain its form, but excessive pruning can reduce its natural beauty.
Propagation of Eriogonum spathulatum Gray var. panguicense (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes
Eriogonum spathulatum Gray var. panguicense (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes, commonly known as the Panguitch Buckwheat, is a low-growing perennial plant that belongs to the Polygonaceae family. Propagation of this plant can be done through different methods, which include division, seeds, and cuttings.
Division
Division is one of the easiest and most effective ways to propagate Eriogonum spathulatum. This method involves digging up the parent plant and dividing the roots and shoots into smaller sections. These sections can then be planted immediately in a well-draining soil mix. It is essential to keep the soil moist until the new plant is established.
Seeds
Propagation through seeds is another viable option. The seeds of Eriogonum spathulatum can be harvested in the fall when the plant starts to dry up. The seeds can then be dried and stored in a cool, dry place until the following spring when they can be sown. It is important to note that Eriogonum spathulatum seeds need to go through stratification, a process of exposing them to a period of cold temperatures for them to germinate. Seeds can be sown directly in the soil or started indoors in pots, and the soil should be kept moist until the seedlings have established.
Cuttings
Propagation of Eriogonum spathulatum can also be done through cuttings. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and planting them in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be taken during the growing season, and the leaves near the base of the cutting should be removed to reduce water loss. The cuttings should be kept moist and warm until they have established roots and started to grow new leaves.
Overall, Eriogonum spathulatum Gray var. panguicense (M.E. Jones) S. Stokes is a relatively easy plant to propagate, and gardeners can choose the propagation method that suits their needs best.
Disease Management for Eriogonum spathulatum Gray var. panguicense
Eriogonum spathulatum Gray var. panguicense is generally not susceptible to many diseases. However, some common diseases that might affect the plant are:
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves and stems. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid crowding the plants, ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. If necessary, apply fungicides labeled for use against powdery mildew.
- Rust: Rust appears as rusty-red spots on the leaves. Remove affected leaves and plant debris promptly to control the spread of the disease. Applying fungicides labeled for use against rust can also be effective.
- Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the roots to decay and the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. To prevent root rot, ensure that the plant is not overwatered and is planted in well-draining soil. If the plant is affected, stop watering immediately and apply fungicides labeled for use against root rot.
Pest Management for Eriogonum spathulatum Gray var. panguicense
Eriogonum spathulatum Gray var. panguicense is generally not susceptible to many pests. However, some common pests that might affect the plant are:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and turn yellow. To control aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or apply neem oil. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can be introduced to the garden to control the population.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged pests that spin webs on the leaves and suck sap from the plant. To control spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Predatory mites and lacewings are natural predators of spider mites and can be introduced to the garden to control the population.
- Thrips: Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the plant's tissues, causing the leaves to curl and become discolored. To control thrips, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encouraging natural predators such as lacewings and ladybugs can also be effective.
