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Description
Eriogonum Deflexum, commonly known as the Trailing Buckwheat, is a low-growing perennial plant that belongs to the Polygonaceae family. It is native to the western United States and can be found in the states of California, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah. Eriogonum Deflexum can grow up to 1 foot tall and 3 feet wide, spreading out into a mat-like formation. The plant has small, white to pink flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer, and it is a popular choice for rock gardens and ground covers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Genus | Eriogonum |
| Species | Eriogonum Deflexum |
Appearance
Eriogonum Deflexum has a low-growing, mat-like form with stems that can reach up to 1 foot in height and 3 feet in width. The leaves are small and narrow, about 1 inch long, with a grayish-green color. The plant produces small, white to pink flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are clustered in umbels, and each individual flower is about 1/8 inch in diameter. Eriogonum Deflexum has a drought-tolerant nature and can thrive in rocky, dry soil.
Care Guide
Water
Eriogonum Deflexum is a drought-tolerant plant that can thrive in dry conditions. It is important to water the plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues.
Fertilization
Eriogonum Deflexum does not require regular fertilization. However, if you want to encourage growth and flowering, you can apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil
Eriogonum Deflexum prefers well-draining, rocky soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The plant can tolerate poor soil conditions and is often found growing in rocky, dry areas.
Sunlight
Eriogonum Deflexum thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate light shade but may not flower as well in those conditions.
Hardiness Zones
Eriogonum Deflexum is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eriogonum Deflexum is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. In addition, the plant may attract aphids and spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Eriogonum Deflexum is native to the western United States and can be found in the states of California, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah. The plant typically grows in rocky, dry areas, including hillsides, canyons, and slopes. It is often found growing alongside other native plants such as sagebrush and rabbitbrush.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Eriogonum Deflexum a good choice for a rock garden?
A: Yes, Eriogonum Deflexum is a popular choice for rock gardens because of its low-growing, mat-like form and its drought-tolerant nature.
Q: How often should I water Eriogonum Deflexum?
A: Eriogonum Deflexum should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues.
Q: What kind of soil does Eriogonum Deflexum prefer?
A: Eriogonum Deflexum prefers well-draining, rocky soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The plant can tolerate poor soil conditions and is often found growing in rocky, dry areas.
Q: What hardiness zones is Eriogonum Deflexum suitable for?
A: Eriogonum Deflexum is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 10.
Related Plants
- Eriogonum Umbellatum
- Eriogonum Fasciculatum
- Eriogonum Grandiflorum
- Eriogonum Cinereum
References
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=erded2
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/buckwheat/trailing-buckwheat-care.htm
- https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/175/trailing-buckwheat/
