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Description
Eriogonum Nortonii is a low-growing, evergreen perennial plant that belongs to the family Polygonaceae. It is native to California, specifically in the coastal regions from San Francisco to Santa Barbara. It is commonly known as the Norton’s Buckwheat or Norton’s Wild Buckwheat. The plant is named after William W. Norton, an American botanist who first discovered it in 1875.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Genus | Eriogonum |
| Species | Eriogonum nortonii |
Appearance
Eriogonum Nortonii is a small plant that typically grows up to 12 inches in height and 2 feet in width. It has a woody stem that is covered in small, silver-gray leaves. The leaves are narrow and elongated, measuring 1-2 inches in length. The plant produces clusters of tiny pink or white flowers that bloom from June to August. The flowers are small, measuring only 1/8 inch in diameter, but they are numerous and create a showy display.
Care Guide
Eriogonum Nortonii is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: Eriogonum Nortonii prefers well-draining soil and does not tolerate wet conditions. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.- Fertilization: Eriogonum Nortonii does not require much fertilization. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer once a year in the early spring.- Soil: Eriogonum Nortonii prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but prefers a sandy or rocky soil.- Sunlight: Eriogonum Nortonii prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. Make sure the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Eriogonum Nortonii is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eriogonum Nortonii is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent this, make sure the plant is growing in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Eriogonum Nortonii is native to California and can be found in coastal regions from San Francisco to Santa Barbara. It prefers dry, rocky slopes and can be found growing in chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Eriogonum Nortonii a drought-tolerant plant?
A: Yes, Eriogonum Nortonii is drought-tolerant and can survive with little water once established.
Q: Can Eriogonum Nortonii be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Eriogonum Nortonii can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Does Eriogonum Nortonii attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Eriogonum Nortonii is a pollinator-friendly plant and attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Q: How often should Eriogonum Nortonii be pruned?
A: Eriogonum Nortonii does not require much pruning. You can remove any dead or damaged branches in the early spring to promote new growth.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Eriogonum Nortonii:- Eriogonum giganteum (St. Catherine’s lace)- Eriogonum fasciculatum (California buckwheat)- Eriogonum umbellatum (sulfur-flowered buckwheat)
References
– “Eriogonum nortonii.” Calflora. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=3106- “Eriogonum nortonii.” Las Pilitas Nursery. https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/erriogonum-nortonii- “Norton’s wild buckwheat.” California Native Plant Society. https://www.cnps.org/gardening/plant-profiles/erriogonum-nortonii
