Introduction
Reynoutria scandens (L.) Shinners var. cristata (Engelm. & Gray) Shinners, also known as Crested False Buckwheat or Climbing False Buckwheat, is a climbing plant within the Polygonaceae family.Origin
This plant is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.Common Names
Reynoutria scandens has several common names, including Crested False Buckwheat, Climbing False Buckwheat, False Buckwheat, and American Buckwheat.General Appearance
Reynoutria scandens has a vine-like growth habit, with stems that can reach up to 3 meters in length. The leaves are alternate and cordate, measuring approximately 5-10 cm in length. The flowers are small, white, and arranged in spike-like clusters. The fruit is a small, dark brown achene with a triangular shape.Uses
Reynoutria scandens has been used historically by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes. The plant has been documented to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. In addition, the plant has been used as a food source by Native American tribes. The leaves and stems are edible when cooked and have a slightly bitter taste. Today, the plant is primarily used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.Light Requirements
Reynoutria scandens var. cristata prefers partial to full sun exposure for optimum growth and development. The plant can tolerate shade; however, extended shade exposure can cause stunted growth and decreased foliage density.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in well-draining moist soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. A soil test is recommended to test the nutrient levels and adjust the soil pH accordingly to promote healthy plant growth.
Temperature Requirements
Reynoutria scandens var. cristata is a hardy plant that can survive in a wide range of temperatures. It can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F (-28.9°C) and as high as 100°F (37.8°C). However, the plant thrives in mild temperatures ranging from 60°F (15.6°C) to 85°F (29.4°C).
Cultivation
Reynoutria scandens (L.) Shinners var. cristata (Engelm. & Gray) Shinners, commonly known as the climbing false buckwheat, is a species of flowering plant that prefers full sunlight and well-draining soil. It grows well in USDA zones 4 through 8 and is typically grown from seed. The best time to plant the seeds is in the fall, as this allows the plant to establish a strong root system before the onset of winter.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering Reynoutria scandens, it is important to strike a balance between moist and dry soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can stunt growth. As a general rule, water the plant only when the soil feels dry to the touch. During hot and dry weather, it may be necessary to water the plant more frequently.
Fertilization
Reynoutria scandens is a relatively low-maintenance plant and does not require frequent fertilization. However, feeding the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the early spring, just before new growth appears, can help promote healthy growth and blooming. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when applying fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning Reynoutria scandens is not strictly necessary, but it can help keep the plant looking neat and tidy. The best time to prune the plant is in the early spring, just before new growth appears. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to remove any dead or damaged branches and to shape the plant as desired. Avoid pruning too heavily, as this can lead to reduced blooming.
Propagation of Reynoutria scandens var. cristata
Reynoutria scandens var. cristata is commonly known as Climbing False Buckwheat. The plant is easy to propagate and can be done through several methods such as:
Seed Propagation
Climbing False Buckwheat can be propagated from seeds. The seeds can be directly sown into the ground or started indoors in mid-spring. Before sowing, the seeds must be soaked in water for at least 24-48 hours to soften the hard seed coat. After the seeds are sown, they need to be kept moist until germination occurs, which may take two to four weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
The plant can also be propagated from cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the parent plant in late spring, making sure that there are at least two nodes per cutting. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a potting mix that is well-draining. The cuttings can be kept in a warm and moist environment until root formation occurs, which may take two to four weeks.
Division Propagation
Another method of propagation is through division. The parent plant can be dug up, and the roots can be divided into several sections. Each section should have at least one stem and one root. The divided sections can be planted in the ground or potted and kept in a well-lit area until they establish.
Overall, Reynoutria scandens var. cristata is an easy-to-propagate plant that can be done through different propagation methods depending on the preference of the grower.
Disease Management
Reynoutria scandens var. cristata is susceptible to various plant diseases, including:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that appears as dark, sunken lesions on leaves and stems. It can cause defoliation and weaken the plant, making it more susceptible to other diseases and pests. The best way to manage anthracnose is to remove and dispose of infected plant parts, improve air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
Rust
Rust is a fungal disease that produces orange or brown pustules on the undersides of leaves. It can cause leaves to yellow and drop from the plant. Rust can be managed by removing and disposing of infected plant parts, improving air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering.
Root Rot
Root rot is a soil-borne disease caused by overwatering or poorly-draining soil. It can cause the plant to wilt and die. To prevent root rot, plant Reynoutria scandens var. cristata in well-draining soil, avoid overwatering, and make sure the soil is not too compacted.
Pest Management
Reynoutria scandens var. cristata is also vulnerable to various pests, including:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause leaves to curl and turn yellow. They can be controlled by spraying plants with a strong stream of water, introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings, or applying insecticidal soap.
Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles are metallic green and bronze insects that can skeletonize leaves and cause significant damage to plants. They can be managed by handpicking them, introducing natural predators such as birds or parasitic wasps, or applying insecticidal sprays or dusts.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, hard-to-see pests that produce fine webbing on leaves. They can cause yellowing and browning of leaves and can be controlled by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water, introducing natural predators such as predatory mites or ladybugs, or applying horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
