Origin:
Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. var. tolmieanum (Hook.) M.E. Jones, commonly known as Tolmie's buckwheat, is native to western North America. It is found in various habitats, including sagebrush shrublands, meadows, rocky slopes, and alpine areas, from British Columbia to California and eastward to Montana.
Common Names:
Tolmie's buckwheat has several other common names, including sulphur-flowered buckwheat, sulpher-flowered eriogonum, and Tolmie's wild buckwheat.
Uses:
Tolmie's buckwheat has been used in traditional medicine by Native Americans to treat various ailments, including fever, headaches, and stomach disorders. It is also a valuable food source for wildlife, including elk, deer, and numerous species of birds and insects. Additionally, this plant is used for erosion control and habitat restoration.
Appearance:
Tolmie's buckwheat is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 30cm tall. It has a woody base and several erect, branched stems covered in grayish-green leaves. The flowers are numerous and small, with sulphur-yellow petals and reddish-brown sepals, arranged in dense clusters at the end of the stems. The plant blooms from June to August, attracting many pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. var. tolmieanum (Hook.) M.E. Jones typically grows in full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but excessive shade can cause the plants to become leggy and weak. As a result, it’s best to plant them in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the western regions of North America and can be found at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 feet. Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. var. tolmieanum is adapted to a wide range of temperatures, and can survive winters as cold as -30°F (-34°C) and summers as hot as 100°F (38°C).
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers sandy or gravelly soils, but can grow in a wide range of soil types. It can even grow in poor soils that are low in nutrients. Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. var. tolmieanum can tolerate a slightly acidic to alkaline soil pH range between 5.0 and 8.0.
Cultivation
Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. var. tolmieanum (Hook.) M.E. Jones, commonly known as Tolmie's buckwheat, is a low-growing, perennial plant that is native to western North America. It requires a well-draining soil and a full sun exposure to thrive. Tolmie's buckwheat can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, but it prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Plant the Tolmie's buckwheat in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild. It can be propagated by seed, division, or cutting. Make sure to plant the seedlings or cuttings at least 12 inches apart from each other to allow enough space for growth.
Watering Needs
Tolmie's buckwheat is drought tolerant, but it requires regular watering during the establishment period. Water the plants deeply once a week and avoid shallow and frequent watering. Once the plant is established, it only needs occasional watering during prolonged droughts.
Be careful not to overwater the Tolmie's buckwheat, as it is susceptible to root rot. Water the plant only when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Tolmie's buckwheat does not require regular fertilization, but a light feeding in the early spring can promote healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10, and apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Tolmie's buckwheat does not require regular pruning, but deadheading can promote continuous flowering. Pinch off the spent flowers or cut them back to the nearest healthy bud. Pruning the plant in the fall can also help to improve its shape and prepare it for the winter dormancy period.
Avoid pruning the plant heavily, as it can damage the woody stems and reduce its overall vigor. Only trim back the dead or damaged branches and avoid cutting into the healthy ones.
Propagation of Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. var. tolmieanum (Hook.) M.E. Jones
Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. var. tolmieanum (Hook.) M.E. Jones, also known as Tolmie's wild buckwheat, is a beautiful perennial plant that produces small pink and yellow flowers from May to September. This plant is native to western North America and can be propagated through several methods.
By Seed
Tolmie's wild buckwheat can be propagated by seed. The seeds typically ripen from August to September and can be sown directly in the garden or in pots in the fall. The seeds need to be sown just below the soil surface in well-draining soil. They should be kept moist until they germinate, which typically takes 1-2 weeks. The seedlings should be transplanted in their permanent location once they are large enough to handle.
By Division
Tolmie's wild buckwheat can also be propagated by division in the spring. It is important to ensure that the plant is well-established before dividing it. Carefully dig up the plant and tease apart the roots into several clumps, making sure each clump has a good root system. Replant the clumps into their permanent location and water well. The plant may take several weeks to recover from being divided.
By Cuttings
Tolmie's wild buckwheat can be propagated by cuttings taken in the spring or early summer. Take 2-3 inch cuttings from new growth, making sure they have at least 2 sets of leaves. Remove the bottom set of leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a container filled with well-draining potting soil and keep moist. Place the container in a warm and bright location, but out of direct sunlight. The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks and can be transplanted outside once they are well-established.
Disease and Pest Management for Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. var. tolmieanum (Hook.) M.E. Jones
Eriogonum umbellatum Torr. var. tolmieanum (Hook.) M.E. Jones, commonly known as sulphur flower, is a hardy perennial wildflower native to western North America. While the plant is generally disease and pest resistant, there are a few potential threats growers should be aware of and ready to manage.
Common Diseases
One common disease that may affect sulphur flower is powdery mildew, a fungal disease that affects the foliage of the plant. If left untreated, it can reduce the plant's vigor and affect blooming. To manage this disease, growers can utilize cultural controls, such as avoiding overhead watering, thinning plants to allow better air circulation, and removing infected plant parts. Additionally, fungicides can be used preventatively or curatively.
Another disease that may affect sulphur flower is rust, which appears as rust-colored spots on the leaves. The fungus responsible for this disease can overwinter in infected plant debris, so removing dead foliage can be an effective management strategy. Fungicides can also be effective against rust.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that may affect sulphur flower is the spider mite. These tiny pests can cause leaf damage and discoloration, leading to a decline in the plant's overall health. To manage spider mites, growers can use insecticidal soap or oils, as well as predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
Sulphur flower may also be susceptible to attacks from thrips, which can cause distorted leaves and reduced bloom production. To manage thrips, growers can use insecticidal soap or oils and make use of natural predators, such as mites and lacewings. Row covers can also be used to protect the plant from thrips.
Conclusion
While sulphur flower is generally a low-maintenance plant, growers should be aware of potential diseases and pests and take steps to manage them effectively. By utilizing cultural controls and natural management strategies, growers can ensure their sulphur flower plants remain healthy and vibrant.
