Origin and Common Names
Eriogonum vimineum Dougl. ex Benth. var. shoshonense (A. Nels.) S. Stokes, commonly known as Shoshone Buckwheat, is a flowering plant in the family Polygonaceae. It is native to the western United States, specifically found in parts of California, Nevada, and Utah.
General Appearance
Shoshone Buckwheat is a low-growing, perennial herb that reaches a height of about 1 foot (30 cm). It has a dense, woody stem that arises from a woody base and its leaves are narrow, gray to green, and covered with tiny hairs. The flowers are small and white or pink, clustered in tight, round heads. The inflorescence is up to 1.5 inches (4 cm) in diameter, and blooms from May to August.
Uses
Shoshone Buckwheat has some traditional uses; the Shoshone Native American tribe used it as a medicinal plant to treat headaches, stomachaches, and diarrhea. The plant is also employed in Western herbal medicine preparation as an astringent and diaphoretic.
As an ornamental plant, Shoshone Buckwheat is used in rock gardens and as a low-growing border plant due to its short stature and attractive inflorescences. It is best grown in arid or semiarid climates and requires well-drained soils.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum vimineum Dougl. ex Benth. var. shoshonense (A. Nels.) S. Stokes requires full sun for optimum growth. This plant thrives best when exposed to direct sunlight for at least six hours per day. Partial shade can cause the plant to grow weak and leggy, leading to poor growth and reduced flowering. It is recommended to plant this species in areas with ample sunlight exposure.
Soil Requirements
The eriogonum vimineum var. shoshonense prefers well-draining soils with a slightly acidic to a neutral pH level between 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate sandy, loamy, and rocky soils but will not grow well in wet or waterlogged soil. It also requires a soil that is rich in nutrients. Incorporation of organic matter such as compost or manure will help to improve soil fertility and support plant growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows best in areas with a temperate climate, but it can also tolerate hot summers and cold winters. It can withstand temperatures as low as -15° F (-26° C) when it is established in the soil, and as high as 100° F (38° C) during the summer season. However, it is susceptible to frost damage during late spring and early fall. In such cases, it is recommended to provide some sort of frost protection to the plant.
Cultivation:
Eriogonum vimineum Dougl. ex Benth. var. shoshonense (A. Nels.) S. Stokes is a beautiful ornamental plant that is easy to grow and care for. The plant prefers well-drained soils in full sun. It thrives in climate zones with hot summers and cold winters, but it can also tolerate mild temperatures.
When planting the Eriogonum vimineum Dougl. ex Benth. var. shoshonense (A. Nels.) S. Stokes, ensure that the planting hole is twice the size of the pot to allow room for the roots to spread. Care should be taken in the early stages of plant growth to provide enough nutrients for the plant.
Watering Needs:
The Eriogonum vimineum Dougl. ex Benth. var. shoshonense (A. Nels.) S. Stokes needs moderate watering during the growing season. This variety of Eriogonum needs dry soil conditions, which prevent root rot. Water the plant deeply but sparingly to ensure the roots receive moisture. In the winter season, reduce the watering since the plant goes dormant. Water the plant again in the spring season to re-initiate the growth cycle.
Fertilization:
Using a well-balanced fertilizer is recommended for the Eriogonum vimineum Dougl. ex Benth. var. shoshonense (A. Nels.) S. Stokes. Apply the fertilizer during the plant's active growth periods. During the dormant periods, no fertilization is needed.
Pruning:
Pruning of the Eriogonum vimineum Dougl. ex Benth. var. shoshonense (A. Nels.) S. Stokes should be done annually to encourage fresh growth and maintain the plant's shape. Pruning should be done in the early spring months just before the plant starts its growth cycle. To prune, selectively remove older and woody stems, leaving the younger ones to grow. Use clean garden shears to avoid the transfer of any disease.
Propagation of Eriogonum vimineum Dougl. ex Benth. var. shoshonense (A. Nels.) S. Stokes
Eriogonum vimineum Dougl. ex Benth. var. shoshonense (A. Nels.) S. Stokes is a perennial plant that grows in the northwestern region of the United States and western Canada. It is commonly known as Shoshone buckwheat and is a member of the Polygonaceae family. The plant can reach a height of approximately 30 centimeters and has white, pink or cream-colored flowers that bloom in the summer.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Eriogonum vimineum Dougl. ex Benth. var. shoshonense (A. Nels.) S. Stokes can be achieved through seed propagation. Seeds can be sown in a seed-starting mix in a greenhouse or indoors under grow lights. It is important to provide consistent moisture to the soil, as the seeds require adequate levels of moisture to germinate. The ideal temperature for germination is between 18-24 degrees Celsius. Seedlings can be transplanted outdoors once they have grown to a height of approximately 10 centimeters.
Division Propagation
Eriogonum vimineum Dougl. ex Benth. var. shoshonense (A. Nels.) S. Stokes can also be propagated through division of the plant's root system. This method involves digging up the plant and cutting the roots into sections before replanting. Division should take place in the spring or fall to allow for root development before the onset of colder temperatures or extreme heat.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation of Eriogonum vimineum Dougl. ex Benth. var. shoshonense (A. Nels.) S. Stokes can also occur through cuttings. Stem cuttings can be taken from the plant in the summer and placed in moist soil in a greenhouse or indoors. Rooting hormone can be used to promote root development. Once roots have developed, cuttings can be transplanted outdoors.
Disease Management
Eriogonum vimineum Dougl. ex Benth. var. shoshonense (A. Nels.) S. Stokes is a hardy plant, but it can still be susceptible to certain diseases. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
- Rust: Rust can be identified by yellow or brownish spots on the leaves. To manage rust, remove the infected leaves and dispose of them carefully. If the infection persists, you can try using a fungicide.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew can be identified by a white or grayish coating on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, prune the affected areas of the plant and encourage good air circulation. A fungicide can also be helpful.
- Root Rot: Root rot can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To manage root rot, remove the affected plant from the soil and cut away any affected roots. Replant in fresh, well-draining soil.
Pest Management
Here are some common pests that might affect Eriogonum vimineum Dougl. ex Benth. var. shoshonense (A. Nels.) S. Stokes and ways to manage them:
- Aphids: Aphids can be identified by their small size and sucking mouthparts. To manage aphids, spray the infected areas with a strong stream of water or use an insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites can be identified by their tiny size and webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, prune away the affected areas of the plant and use an insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can be identified by their chewing damage to the leaves. To manage caterpillars, handpick them off the plant and dispose of them. You can also use a pesticide specifically targeted to caterpillars.
