Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Polygonaceae

Genus:

Eriogonum

Species:

Eriogonum tomentosum

USDA Symbol:

ERTO2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

100 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

aug,sep,oct,nov

Bloom Colors:

white, cream

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

Reported Fauna Sightings

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from deep taproot after fire; common in fire-maintained sandhills and scrub communities.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

Commonly found in scrub and sandy areas.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–42 days

Notes:

Light enhances germination; sow on surface or barely cover seeds.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI