Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Polygonaceae

Genus:

Eriogonum

Species:

Eriogonum umbellatum

USDA Symbol:

ERUM

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb , Shrub , Subshrub

Height:

30 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun,Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

yellow, cream, white

Ground Cover:

Yes

Landscaping Shrub:

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

Reported Fauna Sightings

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies, birds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fall Color:

red, bronze

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from woody root crown following fire; common in fire-adapted sagebrush and montane communities.

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:

Thrives in arid, mountainous regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best with cold stratification; light may improve germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI