Origin
Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. olanchense (J.T. Howell) Reveal is a plant species endemic to California, found specifically in the southern Sierra Nevada range and Tehachapi Mountains in Kern County.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Olancha Buckwheat due to its discovery in the Olancha Pass area.
Appearance
Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. olanchense (J.T. Howell) Reveal is a small perennial herb that grows up to 30 cm tall, and with a spread of up to 60 cm. It has a rounded to flat-topped cluster of numerous compound or simple flat narrow leaves. The leaves are grayish green, densely covered with woolly hairs, and measure up to 3 cm long and 0.5 cm wide.
The plant blooms from June to August, producing small pink flowers that grow in rounded clusters. The flowers have dark pink or red centers and measure around 2-3 mm in diameter. They provide a good source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
The plant's root system is quite extensive, reaching up to 3 meters deep. It has multiple stems arising from the base, creating a bushy appearance.
Uses
The Olancha Buckwheat is an important plant to the ecosystem as it is a keystone species in some parts of California. It is also valued for its ornamental beauty, and thus cultivated as an ornamental plant in some gardens. Additionally, the plant is used in traditional herbal medicine by some Native American communities to treat various ailments such as colds, stomach aches, and diarrhea. However, contemporary scientific testing on the properties of the plant is yet to be conducted.
Light Requirements:
The Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. olanchense (J.T. Howell) Reveal plant requires full sun exposure to thrive. This species needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow well. It can tolerate partial shade, but it does not perform as well compared to full sun exposure.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant species can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can grow in regions with temperatures as low as -12°C and as high as 40°C. However, Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. olanchense (J.T. Howell) Reveal prefers temperatures between 10°C and 30°C. In areas where temperatures fluctuate greatly between day and night or summer and winter, this plant will go dormant to survive harsh conditions.
Soil Requirements:
The Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. olanchense (J.T. Howell) Reveal plant prefers well-draining soils that are rich in nutrients. It can grow in various types of soils, including sandy, loamy, or rocky soils. However, this species prefers a soil pH range between 6.0 and 8.5. Soil that is slightly acidic, neutral, or alkaline is suitable for this plant. It does not tolerate waterlogged soil, so it is essential to avoid overwatering.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. olanchense (J.T. Howell) Reveal requires well-draining soil to grow well. The plant thrives well in poor soils, but it is crucial to ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot. This species of buckwheat grows well in full sunlight conditions, and it is also tolerant of dappled shade. When planting, ensure you place the plant in the right location that receives optimal sunlight and has well-draining soil.
Watering Needs
Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. olanchense (J.T. Howell) Reveal is drought-tolerant and can survive on very little water. When you plant the buckwheat, water it thoroughly to establish the roots. After that, water the plant only when the soil is dry. However, it is essential to ensure the soil does not dry out completely. Wilting is a sign that the plant needs watering, and you should water immediately if you notice this.
Fertilization
Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. olanchense (J.T. Howell) Reveal is a low maintenance plant that does not require fertilizer. Fertilization can cause the plant to grow too fast, weak, and leggy. Therefore, it is not recommended to fertilize Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. olanchense (J.T. Howell) Reveal.
Pruning
Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. olanchense (J.T. Howell) Reveal is a self-seeding plant that reseeds willingly and spreads naturally in the garden. However, if you want to maintain the plant's shape, remove dead flowers and seed heads. Additionally, you can prune the buckwheat in late winter or early spring to encourage bushier growth. Pruning can also extend the plant's life cycle and improve its overall appearance.
Propagation of Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. olanchense (J.T. Howell) Reveal plant
Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. olanchense (J.T. Howell) Reveal can be propagated from both seeds and cuttings. Let's take a closer look at both methods:
Propagation through Seeds
Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. olanchense (J.T. Howell) Reveal produces easily collectible seeds. The best time to collect seeds is in late summer when the seeds have begun to dry and can be easily removed from the plant. The seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place until planting time.
Before planting the seed, it must be stratified for two to three months in the refrigerator to simulate winter conditions. After stratification, the seeds can be planted in a well-draining potting medium and placed in a warm and bright location. Germination usually takes two to four weeks.
Propagation through Cuttings
Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. olanchense (J.T. Howell) Reveal can also be propagated through cuttings. Cuttings are generally taken in early summer when the plant is actively growing.
The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long and include a few leaves. The cuttings should be taken from the newer growth of the plant. The cuttings are then dipped in rooting hormone and inserted into well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist and the cutting should be placed in a shaded location until roots have formed.
Both propagation methods have been successful in producing healthy Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. olanchense (J.T. Howell) Reveal plants. The plant's hardiness and adaptability make it an excellent choice for a variety of growing conditions.
Disease Management:
Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. olanchense (J.T. Howell) Reveal is susceptible to a few diseases, but the most common is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant and can be harmful if left untreated. To manage powdery mildew, you can use fungicides, pruning affected areas, and watering the plants in the morning to give the leaves time to dry out during the day.
Another disease that can affect the plant is rust. Rust appears as yellow, brown, or red spots on the leaves of the plant. It's commonly seen in areas with high humidity or little air circulation. To manage rust, remove and dispose of affected leaves immediately to prevent spreading. Fungicide treatments may also help prevent the spread of rust.
Pest Management:
Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. olanchense (J.T. Howell) Reveal is relatively pest-resistant, but some common pests can affect the plant, such as spider mites and thrips. Spider mites can be identified by the webs they spin and the yellowing and curling of leaves. Thrips appear as tiny black or brown insects and cause distorted and discolored leaves.
To manage spider mites and thrips, you can use insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils. Regular spraying and monitoring the plant can help control the pests. Additionally, pruning affected areas and disposing of the cuttings can help prevent the spread of pests.
