Overview
Eriogonum strictum Benth. ssp. proliferum (Torr. & Gray) S. Stokes var. anserinum (Greene) R.J. Davis, commonly known as the goosebump or yellow-flower buckwheat, is a herbaceous plant in the Polygonaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in the western region of the United States.
General Appearance
The goosebump buckwheat plant typically grows up to 1.5 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide and has a rounded shape. The plant has a taproot and erect stems that are densely covered in short, white, curly hairs, giving it a "goosebump" appearance. The leaves are narrow and measure around 1 to 3 inches long, with a wavy margin and white hairs on both surfaces. The plant blooms during the mid-summer period and produces striking yellow flowers that cluster in 3 to 5 inch wide umbels. The flowers appear atop leafless stems and have no petals, but rather five petaloid tepals in a bright yellow color with a red center.
Uses
The goosebump buckwheat has both ornamental and ecological uses. In landscaping, the plant is often used in wildflower gardens or as a border plant. Its striking yellow flowers make it a popular choice for adding bright color to landscapes. The plant is heat and drought tolerant and requires minimal water once established, making it a low maintenance plant for gardens in dry areas. In the wild, the plant is considered a critical element of the ecosystem, as it provides food and habitat for various insects, birds, and small mammals.
The plant is also used by some Native American tribes for medicinal purposes. The roots were used to make a tea for treating fever, headaches, and stomach aches, while the leaves were made into a poultice for treating wounds and skin irritations.
Overall, the goosebump buckwheat has an attractive appearance and various benefits that make it a valuable plant in both natural and landscaped environments.
Growth Conditions for Eriogonum strictum Benth. ssp. proliferum (Torr. & Gray) S. Stokes var. anserinum (Greene) R.J. Davis
Eriogonum strictum Benth. ssp. proliferum (Torr. & Gray) S. Stokes var. anserinum (Greene) R.J. Davis, commonly known as the turkey foot, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the family Polygonaceae. It is found in the western United States, primarily in California, Utah, and Nevada. This plant grows well in arid and semi-arid regions, where it is exposed to full sunlight for most of the day. The typical growth conditions for E. strictum ssp. proliferum var. anserinum include the following:
Light Conditions
E. strictum ssp. proliferum var. anserinum requires full sun exposure to thrive. It should be planted in locations that receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. This plant can tolerate partial shade, but it may not bloom as well in shady locations.
Temperature Requirements
E. strictum ssp. proliferum var. anserinum can tolerate extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. It is adapted to the arid and semi-arid regions of the western United States, where temperatures can range from below freezing to over 100°F. This plant can also tolerate frost and snow, as long as the soil is well-drained.
Soil Needs
E. strictum ssp. proliferum var. anserinum thrives in well-drained soils that are moderately rich in nutrients. It can grow in a variety of soil textures, but it prefers sandy or gravelly soils. This plant does not tolerate wet or waterlogged soils and may develop root rot if planted in poorly drained areas. It is also adapted to soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 8.0.
By providing these optimal growth conditions, gardeners and landscapers can encourage the healthy growth and flowering of Eriogonum strictum Benth. ssp. proliferum (Torr. & Gray) S. Stokes var. anserinum (Greene) R.J. Davis, or the turkey foot plant.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum strictum Benth. ssp. proliferum (Torr. & Gray) S. Stokes var. anserinum (Greene) R.J. Davis is a low-maintenance plant that requires well-draining soil and full sun exposure. You can cultivate it in rocky or sandy soils, as long as the planting area has good drainage. The plant is typically propagated via seeds. You can sow the seeds directly in the garden bed or start them indoors and transplant the seedlings after the frost season has passed.
Watering Needs
The plant has moderate water requirements and prefers dry to medium moisture soil. Young plants need regular watering to establish strong roots, but mature plants are drought-tolerant and require watering only during prolonged dry spells. Overwatering the plant can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases, so avoid watering the plant excessively.
Fertilization
Eriogonum strictum Benth. ssp. proliferum (Torr. & Gray) S. Stokes var. anserinum (Greene) R.J. Davis is a low-nutrient plant that doesn't require regular fertilization. If you need to fertilize the plant, use a low-nitrogen fertilizer once a year in spring when the plant starts to produce new growth. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can stimulate excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
The plant doesn't require pruning to maintain its shape or encourage new growth. However, you can deadhead the flowers after they bloom to prevent self-seeding and keep the plant looking tidy. Cut the stem of the faded flowers just above the first set of leaves using a pair of clean, sharp scissors or shears. Additionally, prune out any damaged or diseased stems as soon as you notice them to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagating Eriogonum strictum Benth. ssp. proliferum (Torr. & Gray) S. Stokes var. anserinum (Greene) R.J. Davis
Eriogonum strictum Benth. ssp. proliferum (Torr. & Gray) S. Stokes var. anserinum (Greene) R.J. Davis, also known as the turkey mullein, is a flowering perennial herb that is native to the western regions of North America. Propagation of this plant is possible through several methods.
Propagation by Seeds
The easiest and most common way to propagate Eriogonum strictum Benth. ssp. proliferum is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the plant once it has finished blooming, usually in late summer or early fall. The seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place until the following spring when they can be planted in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The seeds should be sown on the soil surface, and then lightly covered with soil.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is also possible, but it is a bit more difficult. The best time to take cuttings is in the early summer, when the plant is actively growing. Use a sharp knife or shears to take a cutting from a healthy, mature stem. Cuttings should be around 4-6 inches long and have at least 2-3 leaves. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and then plant in well-draining, moist soil. Keep the soil moist and wait for new growth to appear, which indicates the cutting has rooted successfully.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is another method that can be used to propagate this plant. This is done in the springtime, just as new growth is starting to emerge. Dig up the plant and carefully separate the roots and shoots into smaller clumps. Replant the smaller clumps in amended soil and water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist until new growth appears, indicating the plant has successfully rooted into its new location.
Good luck with propagating Eriogonum strictum Benth. ssp. proliferum (Torr. & Gray) S. Stokes var. anserinum (Greene) R.J. Davis!
Disease Management
Eriogonum strictum Benth. ssp. proliferum (Torr. & Gray) S. Stokes var. anserinum (Greene) R.J. Davis is a relatively hardy plant that is not particularly susceptible to a high number of diseases. However, it can be affected by a few diseases that gardeners should be aware of.
One of the most common diseases that can affect this plant is powdery mildew, a fungal disease that presents itself as a white or grayish powder on the leaves. To manage this disease, gardeners should remove any infected leaves and dispose of them properly. They can also use a horticultural oil or fungicide to help control the spread of the fungus.
Another disease that can affect this plant is root rot, which is typically caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. To manage this disease, gardeners should ensure that the plant is not sitting in water and that the soil is well-draining. They may also want to consider using a fungicide to help control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
While Eriogonum strictum Benth. ssp. proliferum (Torr. & Gray) S. Stokes var. anserinum (Greene) R.J. Davis is not particularly susceptible to pests, there are a few pests that can occasionally cause problems for these plants.
One pest that can affect this plant is spider mites, which are tiny insects that can be found on the undersides of leaves. To manage these pests, gardeners can use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to suffocate the mites and prevent them from reproducing.
Another pest that can affect this plant is aphids, which are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves. To manage these pests, gardeners can use a spray of water to knock them off the plant or use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to suffocate them.
Finally, mealybugs can also occasionally affect this plant. These insects are small and white and can be found on the stems and leaves. To manage these pests, gardeners can use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to suffocate them.
