Desert trumpet - Eriogonum inflatum (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Distribution, Images)

Desert trumpet

Also known as: Native american pipeweed

Desert trumpet has a swollen part of its stem just below its branches, due to high concentrations of carbon dioxide. Some opportunistic insects use this part to store food. Native American tribes would cut the stalk of this plant at its base and cut the bulbous area in half, turning it into a pipe to smoke a pungent combination of mistletoe and tobacco.

Scientific classification

Species

Desert trumpet (Eriogonum inflatum)

Pinks, cacti, and allies

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Herb

Plant Type

All year round

Bloom Time

30 cm to 61 cm

Plant Height

10 cm to 20 cm

Spread

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Yellow, Green

Flower Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

Images of Desert trumpet

Distribution of Desert trumpet

Distribution Map

Desert trumpet is a plant primarily native to the southwestern part of North America. Its range encompasses arid regions and deserts, adapting to diverse climatic conditions in these areas. Though its distribution is specific to one major region in terms of nativity, the details of its spread to other areas or cultivation status are not the focus of this summary.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Sandy to gravelly washes, flats and slopes, mixed grassland, saltbush, creosote bush, mesquite and sagebrush communities, pinyon and juniper woodlands

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Quickly Identify Desert trumpet

Inflated stem segments with green to yellowish-green discoloration.

Umbel-like cluster of tiny, pale yellow flowers at branch terminations.

Small, greenish to yellow flowers with long exserted stamens.

Distinctive three-sided achene with angular, slightly inflated walls.

Basal rosette of crinkled, spoon-shaped to oval green leaves with scalloped margins.

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Care Guide for Desert trumpet

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Desert trumpet is adapted to arid environments, thriving with minimal moisture and exceptional drought tolerance. Preferring dry settings, it requires sparing water, ideally weekly. Its ability to store water in inflated stems showcases its remarkable adaptation for survival in harsh desert climates.

Fertilize: For optimal care of desert trumpet, use balanced fertilizers every 4-6 weeks during the growth season and reduce frequency in dormancy. Over-fertilization can harm desert trumpet. Consistency ensures better resilience, especially in arid conditions. Apply as per instructions and reduce rates by half for potted desert trumpet.

Pruning: Desert trumpet thrives with spring pruning to eliminate dead stems, encourage healthy growth, and improve air circulation. Use sharp tools for disease prevention. Pruning aligns with desert trumpet's growth cycle, promoting vigor and resilience.

Propagation: Desert trumpet thrives in arid environments with inflated stems. Successful propagation requires well-draining soil and careful watering to prevent dampness, especially during germination. Gentle care is essential for seedlings, and following these guidelines improves growth and success rates despite limited propagation knowledge.

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