Eriogonum davidsonii, commonly known as Davidson’s buckwheat, is a spindly annual herb that is native to the chaparral, sagebrush communities, and oak and montane conifer woodlands of the southwestern United States and northern Baja California. It thrives in sandy or gravelly soils typical of these regions. Davidson’s buckwheat typically grows up to 16 inches tall and features fuzzy basal leaves. Its thin, branching stems culminate in clusters of tiny flowers that exhibit a range of colors from white to pink or red, which are particularly showy when they bloom from May to September.

Davidson’s buckwheat is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in poor soils, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is also appreciated for its extended blooming period, which provides a long season of interest. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance, needing only full sun exposure and well-drained soils. While it is not commonly used in large-scale landscaping, it can be an attractive addition to rock gardens, borders, and native plant gardens. It is also beneficial to pollinators, attracting bees and butterflies with its flowers. Potential problems include root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0