Overview
Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. var. atwoodii Reveal, commonly known as the Atwood's sulphur flower, is a species of flowering plant in the buckwheat family. It is native to California in the United States and can be found in the northern Mojave Desert.
Appearance
The Atwood's sulphur flower is a perennial herb that grows up to 30 cm in height. It has many stems that emerge from a woody rootstock, and the leaves are small and grayish-green in color. The flowers are showy and bright yellow, clustered in dense spherical heads that are 1.5-2 cm in diameter. The plants bloom from late April to early June and can be seen in dry washes, slopes, and desert ranges.
Uses
The Atwood's sulphur flower is a popular ornamental plant in gardens because of its striking yellow flowers. However, it is also an important plant for pollinators, particularly native bees and butterflies. This plant is also important in the ecological system as it stabilizes slopes and fixes nitrogen in the soil.
Conservation
The Atwood's sulphur flower is classified as a species of special concern in California, with its population declining due to habitat destruction and degradation from urban development, mining, and off-road vehicle activity. Conservation efforts are currently being undertaken to protect the remaining populations and restore their habitat.
Growth conditions for Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. var. atwoodii Reveal
Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. var. atwoodii Reveal is a hardy perennial plant that is native to the Colorado Plateau region of the United States. It belongs to the Buckwheat family and requires specific growth conditions for optimal growth and development.
Light
Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. var. atwoodii Reveal requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. The plants thrive in direct sunlight for at least six to eight hours per day. In areas with hot summers, partial shade may be necessary to prevent damage to the leaves and stems.
Temperature
Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. var. atwoodii Reveal grows well in a range of temperatures. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 80°F. During the winter, the plant goes through dormancy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F without damage.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. var. atwoodii Reveal requires well-draining soil that is alkaline or neutral in pH. The plant is adapted to growing in sandy or rocky soils but can also grow in loamy soils. A soil pH of around 7.5 is optimal for this plant. The plant is tolerant of occasional drought conditions but requires regular watering during the growing season to maintain healthy growth.
Cultivation
Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. var. atwoodii Reveal can be cultivated in a range of soil types but prefers well-draining sandy or rocky soils. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some partial shade. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The plants may take a few years to establish and may require some additional care during this period.
Watering Needs
Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. var. atwoodii Reveal is drought tolerant and does not require frequent watering once established. However, during the establishment period, it may need regular watering to promote root growth and development. It is advised to water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth and to avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot. It is recommended to water in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce water loss through evaporation.
Fertilization
Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. var. atwoodii Reveal does not require regular fertilization. However, if the plant appears to be struggling, a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer can be applied in the spring. Fertilizers high in phosphorus should be avoided, as this plant does not require large amounts of this nutrient.
Pruning
Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. var. atwoodii Reveal does not require regular pruning, but can be pruned in late winter to early spring to promote bushier growth and better flowering. Dead or damaged branches can be removed throughout the year as necessary. It is advisable to cut back the plant by about one-third of its size to encourage new growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.
Propagation Methods of Eriogonum Thompsoniae S. Wats. Var. Atwoodii Reveal
Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. var. atwoodii Reveal can be propagated through various methods including seed sowing, division, cuttings, and layering.
Seed Sowing
The easiest way to propagate Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. var. atwoodii Reveal is through seed sowing. The ideal time to sow the seeds is in the fall. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil and covered lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist and within two to three weeks, the seedlings will emerge.
Division
Division is another way to propagate this plant. The best time to divide the plant is in the spring. Dig out the root clump and divide it into smaller sections making sure that each section has roots. Replant the sections in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist until the plant becomes established.
Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings can be done during the growing season. Take cuttings from a healthy plant, making sure that each cutting has at least three leaf nodes. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist and within a few weeks, roots will start to grow from the cutting.
Layering
Propagation through layering can be done during the growing season. Select a healthy branch and make a small incision in the middle of the branch. Dust the incision with rooting hormone and then bend the branch down and cover the incision with soil. Keep the soil moist and within a few weeks, roots will start to grow from the incision. Once the roots have developed, cut the branch from the main plant and transplant it to a new location.
Disease management for Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. var. atwoodii Reveal
The Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. var. atwoodii Reveal, commonly known as Dwarf Wild Buckwheat, is a drought-tolerant plant that can grow in many different environments. However, certain diseases can affect the growth and health of this plant, reducing its overall productivity.
One of the most common diseases that affect the Dwarf Wild Buckwheat is powdery mildew. This disease appears as a white, dusty coating on the leaves, which can spread quickly and cause the leaves to wither and die. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plant, remove any infected plant material, and apply a fungicide if necessary.
Another disease that can affect the Dwarf Wild Buckwheat is root rot, which is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. This disease can be managed by avoiding overwatering and ensuring that the soil around the plant is well-draining.
Pest management for Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. var. atwoodii Reveal
The Dwarf Wild Buckwheat is also susceptible to pest infestations, which can cause significant damage to the plant. One of the most common pests that affect this plant is the spider mite. Spider mites are small arachnids that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing and browning of the leaves and overall stunted growth. To manage spider mite infestations, it is important to monitor the plant regularly and apply an insecticide if necessary.
Another common pest that affects the Dwarf Wild Buckwheat is the aphid. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing curling and distortion of the leaves. To manage aphid infestations, it is important to remove any infected plant material and apply an insecticide if necessary.
In addition to these pests, the Dwarf Wild Buckwheat can also attract a variety of other insects, including bees and butterflies, which can help to pollinate the plant and promote growth.
