Description:
Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. ssp. dumosum (Greene) S. Stokes is a perennial shrub that belongs to the family Polygonaceae. It is commonly known as the Shasta Sulfur Buckwheat or Sulphur Flowered Buckwheat. This plant is native to western and northwestern North America, including California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.
Appearance:
The Shasta Sulfur Buckwheat is an evergreen shrub that typically grows up to 1-3 feet tall and as wide as 3-4 feet. It has a dense, bushy growth habit, with multiple stems growing from a woody base. The leaves of this plant are small and narrow, ranging from 0.5-2 inches long and are gray-green to blue-green in color. The flowers are small and yellow, clustered together in umbels at the end of the stems. They bloom from late spring to mid-summer and attract bees and butterflies.
Uses:
Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. ssp. dumosum has a variety of uses. Native Americans used the plant for medicinal purposes such as to relieve stomach aches, headaches and fevers. The flowers of this plant can be used in landscaping, especially in rock gardens and native plant gardens. It is drought tolerant and can grow in a variety of soil types. Additionally, it is an important food source for many pollinators and beneficial insects.
Overall, Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. ssp. dumosum is a unique and versatile plant that is important in both medicine and landscaping. Its yellow flowers provide a bright pop of color in gardens and its drought tolerance makes it ideal for xeriscaping.Light Requirements
Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. ssp. dumosum typically grows in areas with full sun exposure. The plant requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. It can tolerate some shade during the day, but prolonged shade can inhibit growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. ssp. dumosum is adapted to a range of temperatures, from cold winters to hot, dry summers. In fact, the plant needs a period of cold dormancy in winter to bloom abundantly in spring. The species is found in areas with an average annual temperature range of 5-20°C (41-68°F).
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, rocky soils, and can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. It can also tolerate soils with low fertility, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH of 6.0-7.0). The species thrives in areas with low to moderate soil moisture, and can tolerate occasional drought, but not waterlogging.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. ssp. dumosum (Greene) S. Stokes is a hardy, perennial plant typically found growing in the western region of North America. When planning to grow this plant, it is important to consider its natural growing environment and to mimic those conditions to achieve the best results. The plant prefers to grow in sandy, well-drained soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 8.0. It requires full sun exposure but can tolerate some shade. The plant does well in areas with low humidity and high diurnal temperature variations.
Propagation of the Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. ssp. dumosum (Greene) S. Stokesis is typically done through seed germination. Sowing the seeds in early spring and maintaining consistent temperatures at around 60-70°F will facilitate germination. Once seeds have germinated and become established, they can be transplanted outdoors, provided the outdoor temperatures are above freezing.
Watering Needs
Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. ssp. dumosum (Greene) S. Stokes is a drought-tolerant plant, thus requires very low water to grow and thrive. The plant should be watered to establish its roots, and after that, it can go for weeks without watering. During extended dry periods, it may require some watering, but overwatering can cause root rot. It is best to water the plant in the early morning or late evening when the sun is not as hot, thus reducing water loss through evaporation.
Fertilization
Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. ssp. dumosum (Greene) S. Stokes is a native plant that thrives best in nutrient-poor soil; it can grow in nutrient-rich soil but doesn't require it. Overfertilization can cause an imbalance in soil nutrients and lead to the growth of leggy stems and larger leaves. It is best to opt for a slow-releasing fertilizer. A light application of organic fertilizer in early spring, when new growth begins, is also suitable for the plant.
Pruning
Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. ssp. dumosum (Greene) S. Stokes requires minimal pruning to stay healthy and attractive. Pruning should be done after the plant has finished blooming. At this time, deadhead the spent flowers by cutting the stems below the flowers. This will encourage the plant to put all its energy into growing more foliage, rather than forming seeds. It is also advisable to prune back excessively long or leggy stems if the plant appears to be out of balance.
When pruning, it is essential to ensure that the plant's basal rosette is left untrimmed since this is where new growth and blooming will occur in the following season. Cut back the stem to above the rosette leaves, but do not cut into the leaves.
Propagation of Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. ssp. dumosum (Greene) S. Stokes
Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. ssp. dumosum (Greene) S. Stokes, commonly known as sulfur buckwheat, is a low-growing perennial plant native to the western United States, particularly in states like California, Nevada, and Oregon. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation through Seeds
One of the most common methods of propagating Eriogonum umbellatum ssp. dumosum is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the plant during the fall season, a few weeks after the flowers have bloomed. These seeds can be planted directly in the garden or in pots.
To plant the seeds, prepare the soil by digging to a depth of around 6 inches and adding compost or organic matter to it. Sow the seeds on top of the soil and lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water the seeds gently and keep them moist until they germinate. The seeds may take several weeks to several months to germinate.
Propagation through Cuttings
Eriogonum umbellatum ssp. dumosum can also be propagated through cuttings. Take cuttings during the summer season, when the plant is actively growing. Choose healthy stems that are free from diseases or pests.
Cut the stem about 6 inches long and remove the lower leaves from the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a pot or directly in the garden. Water the cutting and keep it moist until it develops roots and begins to grow new leaves.
Propagation through Division
Propagation of Eriogonum umbellatum ssp. dumosum can also be done through division. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections and replanting them in different locations.
To divide the plant, dig up the entire plant and gently separate the root system into smaller portions. Replant the divided portions in areas with well-draining soil and water them well. This method is best done during the spring or fall season when the plant is not actively growing.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. ssp. dumosum (Greene) S. Stokes
Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. ssp. dumosum (Greene) S. Stokes is a drought-tolerant plant that is relatively disease-resistant and pest-free. However, it may still be affected by some diseases and pests, especially under certain conditions.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that may affect E. umbellatum is powdery mildew. This is a fungal disease that appears as a white or grayish powdery coat on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It is caused by poor air circulation, high humidity, and temperatures between 60-80°F. To manage powdery mildew, prune the affected parts of the plant and increase air circulation. Fungicides can also be used.
Another disease that may affect E. umbellatum is leaf spot. This is a fungal disease that appears as small, brownish-black spots on the leaves. It is caused by excessive moisture and poor air circulation. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves, increase air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
Common Pests
E. umbellatum is relatively pest-free. However, it may occasionally be attacked by spider mites, aphids, and thrips. Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that appear as red or yellow spots on the leaves. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing distortion and stunting. Thrips are tiny, slender insects that feed on flowers and buds, causing distortion and discoloration.
To manage these pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Regularly check the plant for signs of infestation and treat promptly. Alternatively, introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings to control the pest population.
Overall, E. umbellatum is a relatively low-maintenance plant that requires little disease and pest management. However, periodic monitoring and early intervention can help keep the plant healthy and free from any issues.
