Overview
Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. pringlei (Coult. & Fisher) Reveal is a perennial subshrub plant native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It belongs to the family Polygonaceae.
Common Names
The common names for Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. pringlei (Coult. & Fisher) Reveal include Wright's buckwheat, Pringle's buckwheat, and mountain buckwheat.
Appearance
Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. pringlei (Coult. & Fisher) Reveal typically grows up to 1.5 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It has a woody base with thin branches. The leaves are typically gray-green, narrow, and lightly hairy. The flowers are small (less than 0.25 inch wide) and grow in clusters atop branched stems. They are typically white or pale pink but can occasionally appear yellow or reddish.
Uses
Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. pringlei (Coult. & Fisher) Reveal is often used in landscaping and restoration projects due to its drought tolerance, attractive foliage, and showy flowers. In addition, some Native American tribes historically used the plant's roots and leaves for medicinal purposes, such as treating fever or diarrhea.
Typical Growth Conditions for Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. pringlei (Coult. & Fisher) Reveal
Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. pringlei (Coult. & Fisher) Reveal is a drought-resistant plant species that is native to the southwestern United States. This plant is typically found growing in hot, arid areas with well-drained soils, and is often found growing alongside other desert-adapted species. When it comes to growing Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. pringlei (Coult. & Fisher) Reveal in a garden or landscape setting, there are several important factors to consider in order to ensure that the plant thrives.
Light Requirements
Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. pringlei (Coult. & Fisher) Reveal requires full sunlight in order to grow and thrive. This plant species should be planted in a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. When grown in areas with insufficient sunlight, Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. pringlei (Coult. & Fisher) Reveal may become leggy and fail to produce flowers.
Temperature Requirements
Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. pringlei (Coult. & Fisher) Reveal is adapted to grow in hot, arid climates and can tolerate high temperatures with ease. This plant species is hardy to USDA zones 5-9, which means it can tolerate cold winter temperatures down to -20°F. However, it is important to note that excessive moisture during the winter months can be harmful to Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. pringlei (Coult. & Fisher) Reveal, so it is recommended to plant this species in a well-drained area to prevent root rot.
Soil Requirements
Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. pringlei (Coult. & Fisher) Reveal is adapted to grow in well-drained soils that are low in nutrients. This plant species can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, from acidic to alkaline, but it is important to ensure that the soil is not too heavy or dense. When planting Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. pringlei (Coult. & Fisher) Reveal in a garden or landscape setting, it is recommended to amend the soil with organic matter or sand to improve drainage and prevent soil compaction.
Cultivation Methods
Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. pringlei (Coult. & Fisher) Reveal is a perennial plant that can grow up to 2 feet high and wide. It is native to the southwestern United States and requires full sunlight to thrive. It can be grown in a variety of soils, but well-draining soils are ideal for this species. Plant the seeds or seedlings in the soil in the spring.
Watering Needs
This plant is drought-tolerant, but it requires regular watering during the first year of its growth. After that, it can survive on natural rainfall alone. Water the plant deeply at least once a week, but avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. pringlei (Coult. & Fisher) Reveal does not require much fertilization, but it can benefit from occasional feedings during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer once every four to six weeks, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for this plant. However, you can prune it lightly in the early spring to control its shape and size. Remove the dead or damaged branches whenever you notice them. This plant also goes dormant during the winter season, and you can prune it back to 2 inches above the ground during that time.
Propagation of Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. pringlei (Coult. & Fisher) Reveal
Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. pringlei (Coult. & Fisher) Reveal can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The plant produces small black seeds in late summer or early fall. Collect the mature seed heads and store them in a cool and dry place until ready to use. Sow the seeds in the spring in a well-draining soil mix that has been moistened beforehand. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep them moist until they germinate, which can take 1-3 months.
Cutting Propagation
Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. pringlei (Coult. & Fisher) Reveal can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer. Choose a stem that is healthy and not flowering. Remove the leaves from the bottom 2/3 of the stem, leaving a few leaves at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a partially shaded area. Roots should develop in about 6-8 weeks.
Disease Management:
Like any other plant, diseases can also affect Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. pringlei (Coult. & Fisher) Reveal. Here are some common diseases and management techniques for the plant:
- Crown Rot: Crown rot can be caused by fungi-like fusarium and pythium. Infected plants often show wilting and yellowing of leaves. To manage this disease, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Avoid planting in the same area where infected plants were grown. Fungicides containing Azoxystrobin and Myclobutanil can also be used.
- Mould: E. wrightii is susceptible to Phytophthora root rot and other molds like powdery and downy mildew. To avoid these diseases, ensure the air circulation around the roots is improved and avoid overhead irrigation. Fungicides containing Pyraclostrobin and Trifloxystrobin can be used as a preventive measure.
- Leaf Spots: Angular leaf spot is the most common leaf disease that can affect the plant. It starts as small black to brown spots on leaf margins before developing yellow halos that can kill the leaves. To manage this disease, avoid overhead irrigation and crowded planting. Fungicides containing Chlorothalonil and Tebuconazole can be used to prevent and manage the disease.
Pest Management:
Eriogonum wrightii Torr. ex Benth. var. pringlei (Coult. & Fisher) Reveal is also susceptible to attacks from pests. Here are some common pests that can affect the plant and management techniques:
- Aphids: Aphids are easily noticeable on the plant; they are pear-shaped and green-yellow colored. They suck sap from leaves, causing leaves to curl and damage. To manage aphids, use the soft spray of water to dislodge them, or use insecticidal soap that contains Neem oil.
- Mites: Two-spotted spider mites are common on the plant and cause leaves to turn yellow before dropping off. To manage mites, increase humidity around the plant. You can also remove heavily-infected leaves and use insecticidal soap that contains Pyrethrins.
- Beetles: Beetles-like flea beetles attack the plant, causing leaves to have small holes. To manage them, use insecticides that contain Spinosad with Bacillus thuringiensis.
