Eriogonum strictum, commonly known as Blue Mountain buckwheat, is a perennial herb native to the western United States, particularly from northern California to southern Washington. It thrives in arid environments, including rocky slopes, scrublands, and dry meadows. This species is well-adapted to its native habitat, which includes the shrub-steppe and lower montane zones of the Blue Mountains.

Blue Mountain buckwheat typically forms dense leaf mats up to 16 inches wide, with erect inflorescences on stems ranging from 4 to 14 inches tall. The foliage consists of woolly, oval-shaped leaves that grow near the base and are often held vertically on a long petiole. From early to mid-summer, it produces cream to pale yellow flowers that mature to reddish or orange, adding a vibrant splash of color to the landscape. The flowers are showy and attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. In cultivation, Blue Mountain buckwheat is valued for its drought tolerance, low maintenance, and ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils. It is often used in rock gardens, xeriscaping, and as a ground cover in areas with full sun to part shade. While it is generally disease-resistant, it can suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0