Origin:
Eriogonum tenellum Torr. ssp. cottamii S. Stokes is a plant species native to the United States, specifically found in the western region. This plant is believed to be a subspecies of Eriogonum tenellum Torr, commonly known as fragile skeletonweed.
Common Names:
The subspecies Eriogonum tenellum Torr. ssp. cottamii S. Stokes is commonly known as Cottam's buckwheat, which is named after its discoverer, James Cottam, who was a botanist from Utah.
Uses:
Eriogonum tenellum Torr. ssp. cottamii S. Stokes is used for medicinal purposes. It contains compounds that are known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea made from the leaves of this plant has been used to alleviate symptoms of arthritis, fever, and mild diarrhea.
General Appearance:
Eriogonum tenellum Torr. ssp. cottamii S. Stokes is a herbaceous perennial plant with a compact and cushion-like growth habit. The plant measures about 5-15 cm in height and spreads about 10-15 cm wide. It has slender and fleshy leaves that are about 2 cm long and 2 mm wide. The leaves are silvery or dark green in color and form a rosette at the base of the plant. The plant produces small white or yellow flowers that form dense clusters at the end of ascending stems. The plant flowers from May to September and produces fruits in the form of small achenes.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum tenellum Torr. ssp. cottamii S. Stokes is typically found in open, exposed areas receiving full sunlight. Consequently, the plant requires plenty of light to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
Eriogonum tenellum Torr. ssp. cottamii S. Stokes is native to the desert regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. These areas experience extremely hot summers and cold winters. The plant can survive extreme temperature fluctuations, but it grows best in warm temperatures. Specifically, it prefers a temperature range of 70-90°F during the day and 40-65°F at night.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum tenellum Torr. ssp. cottamii S. Stokes prefers well-draining soils that are sandy or gravelly. It can grow in a wide range of soil pH levels, but it typically prefers slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. The plant is tolerant of nutrient-poor soils and has been known to grow in rocky, barren areas.
Cultivation of Eriogonum tenellum Torr. ssp. cottamii S. Stokes
Eriogonum tenellum Torr. ssp. cottamii S. Stokes thrives well in sandy or gravelly soils, under full sun exposure. It has low water requirements and is drought-tolerant. This plant is best grown from seeds, and they should be sowed in the early spring.
Before planting, ensure that the soil is loose and well-draining. You can also mix sand or gravel with the soil to ensure drainage. Spread out the seeds thinly and cover them lightly with soil. Water the soil thoroughly but avoid oversaturation as it may lead to rotting.
Watering Needs of Eriogonum tenellum Torr. ssp. cottamii S. Stokes
Eriogonum tenellum Torr. ssp. cottamii S. Stokes is a drought-tolerant plant and requires minimal watering. However, ensure that you water the plant at least once a week during the hot and dry seasons. Avoid overwatering as it may lead to rotting, especially if the soil is not well-draining. Check the soil's moisture content by digging an inch below the surface before watering.
Fertilization of Eriogonum tenellum Torr. ssp. cottamii S. Stokes
Eriogonum tenellum Torr. ssp. cottamii S. Stokes requires minimal fertilization. Over-fertilization may harm the plant, and you should only apply fertilizer when necessary. You can apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer once a year in the early spring. Before applying, ensure that the soil is moist, and apply according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Pruning Eriogonum tenellum Torr. ssp. cottamii S. Stokes
Eriogonum tenellum Torr. ssp. cottamii S. Stokes does not require pruning as it grows naturally, and pruning may harm the plant. However, you can trim off any dead leaves or stems to promote air circulation and prevent diseases. Remove any dead or diseased parts of the plant as soon as possible.
Propagation Methods for Eriogonum tenellum Torr. ssp. cottamii S. Stokes
Eriogonum tenellum Torr. ssp. cottamii S. Stokes, commonly known as Cottam's buckwheat, is a rare species of buckwheat endemic to Utah in the United States. Propagation of this plant can be done through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
One of the most common methods of propagation for Eriogonum tenellum Torr. ssp. cottamii S. Stokes is through seed germination. Seeds of this plant are small and usually require a pre-treatment to break dormancy. The pre-treatment can be achieved through methods such as soaking in water, scarification, or stratification. Once the seeds have been pre-treated, they can be sown in a well-drained potting mix and kept moist until germination occurs. It is important to note that this plant may take several years to reach maturity from seed.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation of Eriogonum tenellum Torr. ssp. cottamii S. Stokes can be done through division or stem cuttings. Division can be done by carefully digging up an established plant and separating the roots into several smaller parts. These smaller parts can then be replanted in a new location and cared for until established. Stem cuttings can be taken from an established plant, and the cuttings can be treated with rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, humid environment until roots have developed.
Disease Management
Eriogonum tenellum Torr. ssp. cottamii S. Stokes is a hardy plant that can resist many diseases. However, some fungal diseases and viral infections might affect the plant's growth and overall health.
One of the most common fungal diseases that affect Eriogonum tenellum Torr. ssp. cottamii S. Stokes is powdery mildew. This disease typically starts on the leaves and stems, forming a white, powdery layer. To manage this disease, you can spray the plant with a mixture of baking soda and water. You can also prune the infected leaves and stems to prevent the disease from spreading.
Another fungal disease that might affect Eriogonum tenellum Torr. ssp. cottamii S. Stokes is rust. This disease usually causes orange or brown spots on the leaves and stems. To manage this disease, remove the infected plant parts and apply fungicide to the rest of the plant.
Pest Management
Several pests might infest Eriogonum tenellum Torr. ssp. cottamii S. Stokes, including spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies.
Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and drop off. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap. You can also encourage the plant's natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Aphids are small insects that often congregate on the undersides of the leaves. They suck the sap from the plant and cause curling or distortion of the leaves. To manage aphids, you can spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap or use insecticidal soap.
Whiteflies are small, winged insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and die. To manage whiteflies, you can use yellow sticky traps or spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
