Slender Buckwheat
Eriogonum microthecum
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Polygonaceae
- Genus:
- Eriogonum
- Species:
- Eriogonum microthecum
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 3-4 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun, jul, aug, sep, oct
- Bloom Colors:
- White, Red, Pink, Orange, Yellow
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Keystone Species Ranking
- Bee Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained sandy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in arid, open areas
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Seeds were placed in clear plastic germination boxes on two layers of moistened blotter paper, and placed in a germination chamber with a 12 hr light/12 hr dark regime at 22§ C. The light regime was later altered to 15 hrs light/9 hrs dark and the tray was moved closer to the light source.
Establishment: Seeds began germinating within 2 days and continued to germinate over the next 2.5 months. The creamy white flowers bloom from June to September. Seed maturation is indeterminate over 2 to 3 months. Seeds are mature when the perianth is paper-dry and the hard, filled seeds dehisce readily. Seed is collected by clipping the inflorescences or hand stripping into containers. After collection, seed was dried and then placed in a standard freezer for 48 hours to remove insect pests prior to cleaning. Seed was stored in a brown glass jar at room temperature for 18 months prior to this study.
Source: npn.rngr.net