Eriogonum fasciculatum (California Buckwheat)

Eriogonum fasciculatum (California Buckwheat) is an evergreen shrub of variable appearance, from open and upright to dense and mounding, with tufts of linear leaves along the branches. Profuse tiny pink and white flowers held in dense, frilly clusters bloom for months from late spring to fall.

Eriogonum fasciculatum (California Buckwheat) is an evergreen shrub of variable appearance, from open and upright to dense and mounding, with tufts of linear leaves along the branches. Leathery, they are green above, woolly on the undersides, and rolled under along the edges. Profuse tiny pink and white flowers held in dense, frilly clusters bloom for months from late spring to fall. Rich in nectar, they attract bees, butterflies. Birds are attracted to any seed that develops. The blossoms dry to a pretty red rust color as the soil dries. Tough and easy to grow, California Buckwheat tolerates very dry conditions and is a great choice for desert gardens or water-wise gardens.

  • Grows up to 1-6 ft. tall (30-180 cm) and 3-8 ft. wide (90-240 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun, in dry to medium, well-drained soils. Does not need supplemental water once established. Drought tolerant.
  • Great for banks and slopes (erosion control), wildlife gardens or as a groundcover.
  • Attracts bees, butterflies and birds but is deer resistant.
  • Generally pest and disease free. Root rot may occur in wet or poorly-drained soil.
  • Lightly cut back once every few years to thicken canopy cover and control shape.
  • Propagate by seed and softwood cuttings.
  • Native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.

Requirements

Hardiness 7
– 11

Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Eriogonum – Buckwheat
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 1'
– 6'
(30cm
– 180cm)
Spread 3'
– 8'
(90cm
– 240cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, California, Rocky Mountains, Utah, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden