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Description
Eriogonum Compositum, commonly known as the Coastal Buckwheat plant, is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 2 feet tall and 4 feet wide. This plant is native to the coastal regions of California and Oregon, and is known for its attractive foliage and showy pinkish-white flowers that bloom from early summer to early fall. The Coastal Buckwheat plant is a great addition to a garden or landscape as it is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and attracts pollinators such as butterflies and bees.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Polygonales |
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Genus | Eriogonum |
Appearance
The Coastal Buckwheat plant has narrow, silvery-green leaves that are 1-2 inches long and 1/4 inch wide. The leaves are covered with fine hairs that give them a velvety texture. The plant’s flowers are pinkish-white and grow in dense clusters that can reach up to 6 inches across. The flowers bloom from early summer to early fall and are a great source of nectar for pollinators. The plant’s fruit is a small, triangular nutlet that is enclosed in a hard, papery shell.
Care Guide
Water: The Coastal Buckwheat plant is drought-tolerant and only needs to be watered once a week during the growing season. During the winter, the plant can be watered every two weeks.
Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization, but can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the early spring.
Soil: The Coastal Buckwheat plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate sandy or clay soil, but will not grow well in soil that is heavy or compacted.
Sunlight: The plant thrives in full sun, but can tolerate light shade.
Hardiness Zones: The Coastal Buckwheat plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Coastal Buckwheat plant is relatively disease and pest-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is not well-draining. Aphids and spider mites can also infest the plant, but can be easily controlled with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
The Coastal Buckwheat plant is native to the coastal regions of California and Oregon, where it grows in sandy or rocky soil in coastal scrub, chaparral, and grassland habitats. The plant is adapted to the Mediterranean climate of these regions, which is characterized by mild, wet winters and dry summers.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Coastal Buckwheat plant tolerate salt spray?
A: Yes, the plant is salt tolerant and can be grown near the coast.
Q: How often should the Coastal Buckwheat plant be pruned?
A: The plant does not require regular pruning, but can be trimmed back in the late winter or early spring to promote bushier growth.
Q: Can the Coastal Buckwheat plant be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How long does it take for the Coastal Buckwheat plant to reach maturity?
A: The plant can take up to 3 years to reach maturity.
Related Plants
- Eriogonum arborescens
- Eriogonum fasciculatum
- Eriogonum giganteum
- Eriogonum umbellatum
References
- “Eriogonum Compositum.” Las Pilitas Nursery. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/erogonum-compositum.
- “Eriogonum Compositum Coastal Buckwheat.” San Marcos Growers. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=2315.
- “Eriogonum Compositum.” Theodore Payne Foundation. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://theodorepayne.org/plants/eriogonum-compositum/.
