Redroot Buckwheat

Eriogonum racemosum

Taxonomy

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

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
3-4 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun, jul, aug, sep, oct
Bloom Colors:
White, Pink

Native Range

United States: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah

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

Spalding's blue (Euphilotes spaldingi)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Prefers open, sunny locations in native habitat

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: 6 prechilling treatments were used: 0,2,4,8,12,16 and 24 weeks of moist chilling at 2C in the dark. An 8 week prechill is required to break dormancy.

Establishment: E. racemosum flowers in mid to late summer and seeds ripen in late August to late September, depending on elevation. It is found in the Southern Rocky Mountain states.

Source: npn.rngr.net