Sulfurflower Buckwheat

(Eriogonum umbellatum)

Sulfurflower Buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum)

John Brew

CC BY 4.0

Image By: John Brew

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Eriogonum umbellatum, commonly known as Sulfurflower Buckwheat, is an evergreen perennial herb native to dry, open sites such as meadows, rocky slopes, and chaparral in the Western and Mountain States of the USA. It typically grows to a height of 0.9-2 feet and a width of up to 1 foot. The plant can vary in form, sometimes appearing as a low-growing herb with stems around 10 centimeters tall, bearing two to six clusters of flowers, and a whorl of leaves at the base, or as a sprawling shrub up to two meters high and wide. The leaves are often woolly and concentrated near the ground, while the flowers range in color from white to bright yellow to purple, blooming in the summer and attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Sulfurflower Buckwheat is valued for its drought tolerance, low maintenance requirements, and the long-lasting, showy flower clusters that provide visual interest throughout the summer. It is used in native plant gardens, rock gardens, and as ground cover, particularly in xeriscaping. This plant thrives in full sun, requires minimal water once established, and prefers well-drained soils. It is also recognized for its historical medicinal uses by Native American groups. While generally disease-free, it can suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 0.9-1.5 feet
Width: 2-3 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: Yellow
Flowering Season: Summer
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Low
Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

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

Natural Habitat

Dry, open sites such as meadows, rocky slopes, and chaparral

Other Names

Common Names: Sulphur Flower , Sulphur Buckwheat , Sulphur-Flowered Buckwheat , Sulphur-Flowered Wild Buckwheat , Ériogone À Ombelle , Svavelullslide , Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat

Scientific Names: Eriogonum umbellatum , Eriogonum umbellatum var. croceum , Eriogonum umbellatum subsp. umbellatum , Eriogonum cupreum , Eriogonum umbellatum subsp. typicum , Eriogonum umbellatum var. californicum , Eriogonum umbellatum var. crandallii , Eriogonum umbellatum var. glabrum

GBIF Accepted Name: Eriogonum umbellatum Torr.