Origin
Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats., commonly known as Thompson’s buckwheat or Thompson's wild buckwheat, is a low growing shrub that is native to western North America. It is found in the Sonoran and Mojave deserts, and can also be found in parts of California, Nevada, and Arizona.
Common Names
Thompson's buckwheat is known by several common names, including Thompson's wild buckwheat, dwarf buckwheat, and Thompson's eriogonum.
Uses
The Thompson's buckwheat is a drought-tolerant plant that requires little water, making it ideal for xeriscaping. The plant has also been used for medicinal purposes by indigenous people in the southwestern United States. The roots and leaves of the plant were used to make a tea to treat fevers, colds, and stomach ailments. The seeds of the plant were also eaten by some Native American tribes.
General Appearance
The Thompson’s buckwheat is a short-lived perennial plant that grows up to 12 inches tall and wide. It has small green leaves that are hairy on the undersides, and a dense, rounded shape. The plant blooms from May to October, producing small clusters of white to pink flowers. The fruit of the plant is a small, triangular-shaped nutlet.
Light Requirements:
Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. requires full sunlight exposure to thrive. It grows best when provided with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Therefore, it's essential to plant it in an area where it's exposed to full sun without any shade from trees or other structures.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant species is tolerant of different temperature ranges, but it grows best under warm to hot conditions. The ideal temperature for Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. is between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the daytime and around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but this can cause damage to leaves and flowers.
Soil Requirements:
Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. grows well in well-drained soil that retains some moisture. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH level between 5.5 to 7.0. The soil type can range from sandy loam to gravelly or rocky soil, as long as it's well-drained and nutrient-rich. It's essential to avoid planting it in heavy clay soil as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. thrives well in well-draining, sandy, and gravelly soils with low fertility. It does not require regular irrigation and has moderate drought tolerance. The plant grows well in full sun and can handle partial shade.
For propagation, seeds need to be sown in fall or spring in well-draining soil. The seedlings can then be transplanted to their permanent location after the last frost date.
Watering Needs
Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. has moderate water requirements, and the plant can survive periods of drought. However, it thrives better with occasional watering during the growing season. It is crucial to avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot, especially in heavy soils.
Fertilization
Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. does not require regular fertilization. However, adding some compost or slow-release fertilizer during planting can improve its growth and performance to some extent. It is crucial to avoid excessive fertilizer application, contributing to increased leaf growth but not increasing flowering.
Pruning
Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. requires no regular pruning. However, deadheading or removing the spent blooms can promote another flush of blooming. Be sure to use sterilized pruning shears to avoid the spread of disease. Additionally, pruning can be done to tidy up the plant and remove dying foliage during autumn or early spring.
Propagation of Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats.
Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats., commonly known as Thompson's buckwheat, is a low-growing shrub that is native to the western United States. This plant is a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers because of its small size, attractive flowers, and ability to thrive in drought and heat. Propagation of Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. can be achieved through several methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is perhaps the most straightforward method of propagating Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. This process usually takes place in the late fall or early spring, as the plant enters its dormant stage. Collecting seeds from mature plants is relatively easy, as the flowers produce small seeds that can be gathered by shaking the plant gently over a container.
After collecting the seeds, they should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool, dry place until planting. Plant the seeds in a shallow container filled with lightly moistened potting soil, and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Place the container where the seeds can receive plenty of sunlight and warmth. Water the seeds gently and keep the soil moist until germination, which typically occurs within a few weeks. Once the seedlings have sprouted, they can be transplanted to a larger container or directly into the garden.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method of propagating Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. This process involves taking cuttings from the plant and rooting them in a suitable growing medium, such as vermiculite or perlite. Cuttings should be taken from actively growing plants in the spring or early summer. The cuttings should be approximately four inches in length and taken from the tips of the plant's branches.
The lower leaves should be removed from the cutting, and the stem should be dipped into rooting hormone. The cutting should then be inserted into the growing medium, ensuring that the hormone-coated area is buried. The container should be covered with clear plastic to maintain high humidity, and placed in a warm, bright location. After a few weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and can be transplanted into soil or a larger container.
Overall, Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats. is a hardy plant that can be propagated through different methods, including seed and vegetative propagation, providing flexibility for gardeners and landscapers to cultivate this plant in their preferred manner.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats
Eriogonums are usually pest and disease-resistant plants, but they may still have some weaknesses or susceptible spots to a few issues.
Pests
The most common pest that affects Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats is the root weevils. The larval stage of the weevil feeds on plant roots and can cause severe damage or death to the plant. You can identify an infestation through the gray, curled foliage that is common in affected plants. To manage the pest, you can remove the affected plant and its roots, place it in a plastic bag, seal it, and dispose of it thoroughly to prevent the spread of the pests. Can also partner with a licensed professional to use effective pesticides to manage the infestation.
Diseases
Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats may also be vulnerable to some diseases brought about by environmental factors such as moisture, poor nutrition, and air circulation. Some of the plant diseases that might affect the Eriogonums include:
Leaf spot
Leaf spot is prevalent in plants grown in wet conditions and characterized by brown-yellow spots on the leaves. If not managed, leaf spots can cause leaf drop and other severe infections that affect the overall health of the plant. To manage leaf spot, prune infected leaves and keep the plant dry by reducing watering frequency and avoiding watering the foliage.
Mildew and Rust
Mildew and rust are common fungal diseases that thrive in humid environments. They appear as white or yellow powdery substances on the leaves. Just like leaf spots, mildew and rust can cause significant damage to the plant if not managed. To prevent these diseases, water Eriogonums at the base, reduce their foliage density, increase air circulation around the plants, and use fungicides to manage the diseases effectively.
Root rot
Root rot is caused by soil-borne fungi that attack the roots and cause them to rot. Infected plants tend to have stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and wilting foliage. To manage root rot, reduce watering frequency, increase soil drainage and aeration, and avoid planting Eriogonum in poorly drained soils.
To ensure the health of Eriogonum thompsoniae S. Wats, always ensure that the soil is well-drained, water the plant at the base, and avoid over-fertilizing. Partnering with a licensed professional in disease and pest management can go a long way in conserving and sustaining your Eriogonums.
