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Description
Eriogonum Kennedyi, commonly known as Kennedy’s buckwheat, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Polygonaceae family. It is endemic to California and can be found in the southern Sierra Nevada, the Tehachapi Mountains, and the San Gabriel Mountains. The plant’s scientific name is derived from the name of the United States President John F. Kennedy.
Taxonomy
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Genus | Eriogonum |
Appearance
Eriogonum Kennedyi has a compact, mounding growth habit and typically grows up to 1 foot tall and 2 feet wide. Its leaves are small, narrow, and gray-green in color. The plant produces clusters of small, creamy-white flowers that bloom from June to August. The flowers are followed by reddish-brown fruits that persist into the winter.
Care Guide
Eriogonum Kennedyi is a relatively low-maintenance plant that prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It is drought-tolerant and can withstand harsh conditions, making it an ideal plant for xeriscaping. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season. Reduce watering in the winter.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun exposure to thrive.
- Hardiness Zones: Eriogonum Kennedyi is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eriogonum Kennedyi is generally free of pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if planted in poorly drained soil. In addition, aphids and spider mites may occasionally infest the plant.
Habitat
Eriogonum Kennedyi is native to California and can be found in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, sagebrush, and pinyon-juniper woodlands. It prefers well-drained, rocky soils and full sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Eriogonum Kennedyi deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Eriogonum Kennedyi is deer-resistant.
Q: How often should I fertilize Eriogonum Kennedyi?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Eriogonum Kennedyi tolerate drought?
A: Yes, Eriogonum Kennedyi is drought-tolerant.
Q: What is the best time to prune Eriogonum Kennedyi?
A: Prune the plant in the winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Related Plants
- Eriogonum fasciculatum
- Eriogonum giganteum
- Eriogonum umbellatum
- Eriogonum wrightii
References
- https://www.calflora.org/app/taxon?crn=2468
- https://calscape.org/Eriogonum-kennedyi-()
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/eriogonum_kennedyi.shtml
