Eriogonum spp.
wild buckwheats
Western North America, with greatest diversity in California
Attracts PollinatorsAttracts ButterfliesDeer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Native to North America
Overview
Eriogonum spp. is a genus of about 250 species of annuals, perennials, and low subshrubs in the family Polygonaceae, found almost entirely in western North America. Plants range from flat mats and cushions a few centimetres high to mounded subshrubs 2 m (6.5 ft) tall, many with leaves clustered in basal rosettes or along woody stems. The leaves are often grey-green and woolly, especially on the undersides, an adaptation to dry, sunny habitats. The tiny flowers are carried in dense, rounded or branched clusters held above the foliage on bare stalks, in white, cream, yellow, pink, or rust-red. Each cluster sits in a cup-like involucre, a feature of the genus. Flowering spans late spring through autumn depending on species and elevation, and the dried flower heads often hold their colour for weeks. E. fasciculatum, California buckwheat, and E. umbellatum, sulphur buckwheat, are widespread in the West. Wild buckwheats grow on rocky slopes, deserts, and alpine scree, and support many native butterflies as larval and nectar plants. Most species need lean, fast-draining soil and fail in rich, wet ground.
Native Range
Found almost entirely in western North America, from the Pacific coast across the Great Basin and Rocky Mountains into Mexico, with the greatest diversity in California. A few species reach the eastern United States. The genus grows in deserts, sagebrush steppe, rocky slopes, and alpine zones.Suggested Uses
Grown in rock gardens, gravel gardens, and dry banks, and in native and wildlife plantings of the western United States where they feed butterflies and bees. The long-lasting dried flower heads are used in xeriscape and naturalistic schemes.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 6'6"
Width/Spread6" - 4'
Bloom Information
Flowering spans late spring through autumn, varying with species and elevation, with low-desert species blooming early and alpine species later. The dense flower clusters open over many weeks. Dried flower heads hold cream, pink, or rust tones long after the flowers fade.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to yellowFoliage Description
grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Wild buckwheats grow in full sun in lean, gritty, sharply drained soil and tolerate heat, drought, and poor ground once established. They fail in rich, moist, or poorly drained soil, where roots rot. Hardiness varies widely with origin, from tender low-desert species to alpine forms hardy below -30 C (-22 F). Most need little water after the first season and decline with summer irrigation. Crown and root rot are the main risks in damp conditions.Pruning
Spent flower stalks are sheared after bloom to tidy the plant, though the dried heads are often left for their lasting colour. Subshrubby species are lightly trimmed in spring to keep a compact shape. Hard cutting into old wood is avoided, as plants resprout poorly from it.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early springfall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons