Parsnipflower Buckwheat

(Eriogonum heracleoides)

Parsnipflower Buckwheat (Eriogonum heracleoides)

Andrey Zharkikh

CC BY 2.0

Image By: Andrey Zharkikh

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Eriogonum heracleoides, commonly known as Parsnipflower Buckwheat, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb that thrives in open woodlands, grasslands, and alpine areas in the Western United States. It typically grows to a modest height of no more than 40 cm (15+3⁄4 in). The plant features pale yellow flowers that deepen to red as they age, blooming from early to mid-summer. These flowers are small, measuring 4–9 mm (1⁄8–3⁄8 in) and are arranged in clusters that attract a variety of pollinators. The leaves form loose rosettes and are covered with soft, woolly hairs that are 5–30 mm (1⁄4–1+1⁄8 in) long, providing a distinctive texture. The foliage is whorled at the midpoint of the stem and at the base, contributing to the plant’s overall bushy appearance.

Parsnipflower Buckwheat is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to attract wildlife, including butterflies, bees, and birds. It is particularly important as a host plant for several species of butterflies native to the Palouse region. This plant is well-suited for naturalistic plantings, rock gardens, and xeriscaping due to its low water requirements and preference for well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun and is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to create a habitat for pollinators or to add a touch of wild beauty to their landscape. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Subshrub, Shrub, Herb
Height: 0.5-1 feet
Width: 1-3 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: Yellow
Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Low
Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, grasslands, and alpine areas in the Western United States

Other Names

Common Names: Whorled Buckwheat, Wyeth Buckwheat, Wyeth’s Eriogonum, Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat, Parsnipflower Buckwheat, Wyeth’s Buckwheat, Parsnip-Flowered Buckwheat, Parsnip-Flowered Wild Buckwheat, Ériogone Fausse-Berce

Scientific Names: , Eriogonum heracleoides, Eriogonum angustifolium, Eriogonum heracleoides var. angustifolium, Eriogonum heracleoides var. minus, Eriogonum heracleoides subsp. angustifolium, Eriogonum heracleoides var. multiceps, Eriogonum heracleoides var. rydbergii, Eriogonum heracleoides var. micranthum, Eriogonum gyrophyllum

GBIF Accepted Name: Eriogonum heracleoides Nutt.