Eriogonum, Genus, strictum, Species,
- Genus & species
strict buckwheat
Overview
Eriogonum strictum is a low, mat-forming perennial subshrub reaching 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) tall and spreading 8-20 inches (20-50 cm) wide. All leaves are basal; flowering stems lack the midstem leaf whorl seen in E. heracleoides. Basal leaves are oblong to elliptic, 0.4-1.2 inches (1-3 cm) long, with green to gray-green upper surfaces and densely white-woolly undersides. Erect leafless flowering stems hold compound umbels 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) above the foliage, with 3-7 rays branching once or twice. Individual flowers are 0.1-0.2 inches (3-5 mm) across, varying from white through pale yellow to pink across the geographic range; bloom occurs from June through August. Achenes are 3-angled, 0.1 inch (2-3 mm) long. Plants persist 6-12 years on coarse-textured soils and decline within 2-3 years on heavy or seasonally wet sites. Foliage turns reddish in autumn and persists on the plant through winter. Several recognized varieties (var. anserinum, var. greenei, var. proliferum) differ in flower color and habitat. The species occurs as scattered populations rather than dominant cover, growing among bunchgrasses and sagebrush.
Native Range
Native to the inland western United States from eastern Washington and Oregon through Idaho, Nevada, and Utah, with isolated populations in northern California. Found on dry rocky slopes, lithosolic soils, sagebrush steppe, and open ponderosa pine woodlands at 1,500-9,000 feet (450-2,750 m) elevation.Suggested Uses
Used in rock gardens, gravel gardens, and western dryland restoration plantings at 12-18 inch (30-45 cm) spacing. Suited to xeriscape designs, scree beds, and pollinator plantings; flowers attract native solitary bees and small butterflies. Performs poorly in mixed perennial borders with regular irrigation.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'
Width/Spread8" - 1'8"
Bloom Information
Flowers open from June through August across most of the range, with peak bloom in July at mid-elevations. Individual umbels remain in bloom 3-4 weeks; total floral display lasts 5-8 weeks per plant. Flowers fade from their initial color (white, yellow, or pink depending on variety) to rusty brown as they age and persist on the plant through September. Bloom timing shifts 2-3 weeks later at higher elevations.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
variable: white, pale yellow, or pink; aging rusty brownFoliage Description
green to gray-green with white-woolly undersides; reddish in fall and winterGrowing 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
Water deeply every 7-10 days during the first growing season; established plants tolerate 6-8 weeks without rain in regions receiving at least 8 inches (20 cm) of annual precipitation. Plants in irrigated borders or clay soils develop crown rot and decline within 2-3 years. Aphid colonies may appear on flower stems in early summer; populations typically remain below 30 individuals per stem. Plants self-sow modestly on bare gravel, producing 5-15 seedlings per parent annually. Fertilizer is not required; supplemental nitrogen produces lax stems and reduced flowering. Replace plants when crowns die out, typically after 6-12 years.Pruning
Spent flowering stems are cut to the basal rosette in late summer once seed dispersal is complete. The reddish persistent foliage remains intact through winter; dead leaves break off as new growth resumes in late April. Cuts into the woody crown can kill the plant; pruning is typically limited to the leafy zone above the woody base.Pruning Schedule
Prune: August–September
summerfall
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons
