California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum)

California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) is a shrub with a variable appearance, forming a patchy, compact bramble or a spreading bush. The leaves are leathery, woolly on the undersides, and rolled under along the edges. Profuse clusters of pink to white and cream-colored flowers appear as early as March and dry to a pretty red rust color. California buckwheats are tough and easy to grow, even in very dry conditions. They prefer a well draining sunny site. Once established, no water is needed but the plant can tolerate occasional summer water. As the soil dries, it sheds its dried flowers and a significant portion of its small blade-like leaves, creating natural mulch. Low growing forms make a good spreading ground cover, and taller varieties can even be shaped into hedges. California Buckwheat is a keystone species for sagebrush scrub ecosystems, and a great choice for wildlife and butterfly gardens. It is attractive to honey bees and a good source of nectar over many months in drier areas. From Calscape.

Pick-up only, no shipping available. 

Grower: The Watershed Nursery

Other Names Used: Eastern Mojave buckwheat, Flattop buckwheat, Yellow, buckwheat

Family: Polygonaceae

Life Cycle: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Sun Exposure: Full

Bloom Period: Spring, Summer (April to September)

Bloom Color(s): Yellow, Cream, Pink, White. Turns rust as they age.

Plant Height: 1-7 feet tall

Plant Width: 3 feet wide

California Regions:

• San Francisco Bay Area
• Central California Coast
• Southern Coast
• Southern California Inland
• Desert

Ecological Benefits:

• Drought Tolerant
  
• Deer resistant
• Attracts pollinators, birds, wildlife, bats
  

Ecological Functions:

• Grows in Containers
• Groundcover
• Bank stabilization

Habitat Type:

• Coastal Sage Scrub
• Sagebrush Scrub
• Creosote Bush Scrub
• Valley Grassland
• Pinyon-Juniper Woodland 
  

Human Uses/Cautions: 

Skill Level: Beginner

Seed Pretreatment: None