Eriogonum ovalifolium, commonly known as cushion buckwheat, is a perennial herb that is native to the sagebrush steppe, alpine regions, and rocky outcrops in western North America. It typically forms dense, low-growing mats in gravelly soils and rocky areas, with erect inflorescences that can reach up to 14 inches in height. The pale green to gray leaves are woolly, rounded, and often form a basal rosette. The plant produces clusters of small flowers that can be yellow, red, pink, purple, or white, blooming from early to mid-summer and are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Cushion buckwheat is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, xeriscaping, and restoration projects. It is also used in native plant gardens for its attractive foliage and flowers, as well as its ability to provide habitat for beneficial insects. In cultivation, cushion buckwheat requires minimal maintenance, needing only occasional water once established and full sun to part shade exposure. While generally disease-free, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. There are no significant reports of aggressive roots or invasiveness.CC BY-SA 4.0