Eriogonum fasciculatum
California buckwheat
Overview
Eriogonum fasciculatum is a low, spreading evergreen shrub native to California, the southwestern United States, and northern Mexico, growing 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall and 3-6 feet (90-180 cm) wide. The narrow, needle-like leaves are 0.25-0.5 inch (6-12 mm) long, rolled at the edges, dark green above and woolly white beneath, and clustered along the stems. From spring into autumn it bears dense, flat-topped clusters of tiny white to pale-pink flowers held on slender stalks above the foliage. The flowers age to a rust-brown that persists on the plant for months, and they draw large numbers of native bees, butterflies, and other insects. E. fasciculatum grows on dry slopes, washes, and coastal scrub in well-drained, often rocky soils, and withstands long summer drought once established. It is a common component of California chaparral and coastal sage scrub and is used in habitat restoration and erosion control. The shrub is short-lived in heavy or irrigated soils but persists for many years on dry, lean ground. Several regional varieties differ in leaf size and growth form.
Native Range
Eriogonum fasciculatum is native to California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and northern Mexico, including Baja California. It grows in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and desert margins on dry, well-drained slopes and washes from sea level to about 7,000 feet (2,100 m).Suggested Uses
Eriogonum fasciculatum is grown in dry gardens, native and habitat plantings, coastal banks, and erosion-control projects across the southwestern United States. Its long bloom and drought tolerance suit low-water and pollinator gardens. The flowers support native bees and butterflies, and the seeds feed birds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from spring into autumn, often March through November in mild regions, with the heaviest bloom in early summer. The flat clusters of tiny flowers open white to pale pink and slowly turn rust-brown. The dried heads hold on the plant for months and continue to feed seed-eating birds.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pale pinkFoliage Description
dark green above, white beneathGrowing 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