Eriogonum latifolium (Seaside Buckwheat)

Eriogonum latifolium (Seaside Buckwheat) is a small, mounding, evergreen perennial or sub-shrub with soft, oval, silvery-green leaves densely felted beneath. Profuse lollipop-looking flower heads in shades of white, cream, and pink bloom for months from late spring to fall. Rich in nectar, they attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Eriogonum latifolium (Seaside Buckwheat) is a small, mounding, evergreen perennial or sub-shrub with soft, oval, silvery-green leaves densely felted beneath. Profuse lollipop-looking flower heads in shades of white, cream, and pink bloom for months from late spring to fall. Rich in nectar, they attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Birds are attracted to any seed that develops. The blossoms dry to a pretty coppery brown color as the soil dries. Tough and easy to grow, Seaside Buckwheat tolerates dry conditions and is a great choice for rocky slopes, rock gardens and perennial beds. Native to the coastline of the western United States from Washington to central California, Seaside Buckwheat is a common resident of coastal bluffs and scrub. Its attractive foliage and pompom flowers make it a desirable garden plant.

  • Grows up to 1-2 ft. tall (30-60 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun to part shade, in dry to medium, well-drained soils. Prefers full sun very close to the ocean, but likes part shade in areas that are more inland. Needs very little supplemental water once established. Tolerates clay but prefers fast draining rocky or sandy soil. Drought tolerant.
  • Great for banks and slopes (erosion control), wildlife gardens, rock gardens, coastal 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.
  • Propagate by seed (no treatment). Seeds germinate 14 days after sowing.
  • Native to California and Oregon.

Requirements

Hardiness 8
– 11

Climate Zones 4, 5, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials, Shrubs
Plant Family Eriogonum – Buckwheat
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 36″ (90cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Oregon
Tolerance Clay Soil, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden