Seaside Buckwheat

Eriogonum latifolium

Seaside Buckwheat

Gordon Leppig & Andrea J. Pickart

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Polygonaceae
Genus:
Eriogonum
Species:
Eriogonum latifolium

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Subshrub
Height:
2-3 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov, dec
Bloom Colors:
White, Red, Pink

Native Range

United States: California, Oregon

Keystone Species Ranking

Bee Keystone:
★★☆☆☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Aroga sp. A, Aroga sp. B, Chionodes dammersi, Chionodes sp. B, Electra buckmoth (Hemileuca electra), Holcocera sp. A, omnivorous leaftier (Cnephasia longana), orange tortrix moth (Argyrotaenia franciscana), Synanthedon polygoni, Western tussock moth (Orgyia vetusta), Chalceria heteronea, Comstock's hairstreak (Callophrys comstocki), Dotted Blue (Euphilotes enoptes), Dusky Green Hairstreak (Callophrys dumetorum), Green Hairstreak (Callophrys viridis), ⚠️Mormon metalmark (Apodemia mormo), 🛑Neurona Blue (Plebejus neurona)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Two-form bumble bee (Bombus bifarius), Two-form bumble bee (Bombus bifarius), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii), Yellow-faced bumble bee (Bombus vosnesenskii)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to coastal bluffs and dunes

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: None required

Establishment: Seeds are collected between May 1st and July 1st. Mature inflorescences are rust brown. Seeds are minute and black at maturity and are found at the base of each dried flower. E. latifolium is found in coastal strand communities and coastal scrub, from San Luis Obispo County, California to Oregon.

Source: npn.rngr.net