Common Buckwheat

(Fagopyrum esculentum)

Common Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Fagopyrum esculentum, commonly known as Common Buckwheat, is an annual herb originally from Central and Southeastern China. It is cultivated for its grain-like seeds and as a cover crop to improve soil health and prevent erosion. Buckwheat typically grows 75 to 125 centimeters (30 to 50 inches) tall and has a branching root system with a primary taproot that reaches deeply into the soil. The plant produces flowers that are usually white, but can also be pink or yellow, and are highly attractive to pollinators. The triangular seeds of buckwheat are notable for their hulls, which are less dense than water, allowing for easy processing by flotation.

Common Buckwheat is valued for its rapid growth cycle, completing its life span in just 10–12 weeks, making it suitable for regions with short growing seasons or as a second crop. It is also appreciated for its ability to thrive in low-fertility or acidic soils, where excessive fertilizer, particularly nitrogen, can actually reduce yields. Buckwheat’s flowers are a source of dark-colored honey, which is a unique product of this plant. In gardens, it is often used as a ground cover or green manure to enhance soil quality. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil with low to moderate water. While it is not typically grown for ornamental purposes, its flowers can add a subtle charm to garden spaces.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-3 feet
  • Width: 2-4 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Originally from Central and Southeastern China

Other Names

Common Names: Silverhull Buckwheat, Buckwheat, Japanese Buckwheat, Heidekorn, Buchweizen, Echter Buchweizen, Alforfón, Grano Sarraceno, Grano Turco, Trigo-Sarraceno

Scientific Names: , Fagopyrum esculentum, Polygonum fagopyrum, Fagopyrum sagittatum, Polygonum emarginatum, Fagopyrum fagopyrum, Fagopyrum emarginatum, Fagopyrum vulgare, Fagopyrum esculentum subsp. ancestralis, Polygonum elegans

GBIF Accepted Name: Fagopyrum esculentum Moench