Shasta Buckwheat

Eriogonum pyrolifolium

Native to:
Canada, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Polygonaceae
Genus:
Eriogonum
Species:
Eriogonum pyrolifolium
USDA Symbol:
ERPY2

Growth Characteristics

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

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

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

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Acmon blue (Plebejus acmon)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Butterflies:Icaricia lupini

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Alpine and subalpine species typically resprouts from deep taproot following disturbance including fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
typically found in alpine and subalpine regions

Propagation & Germination

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

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI