Ruby Mountain Buckwheat

Eriogonum kingii

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Polygonaceae
Genus:
Eriogonum
Species:
Eriogonum kingii
USDA Symbol:
ERKI

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
15 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
white, yellow, cream
Ground Cover:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
★★★★☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from woody caudex following fire in sagebrush steppe ecosystems.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid, mountainous regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination. Cold stratification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.

Source: Claude AI