California Buckwheat

Hailing from the mountains and deserts of North America, this rounded, evergreen shrub is a thing of beauty. It has open, spreading branches with an abundance of blooms. White to pink flowers cluster at the tips in groups 3-10cm across from late spring to autumn. Beneficial pollinators adore them and birds enjoy the seeds. As the weather cools, the flowers continue to look good as they bronze, then mature rust to mahogany and hold into winter.

The small, narrow leaves are green on top, with a soft, woolly reverse that shows as they roll inwards, giving a nice two tone effect. The wood matures with stately rust and silver shades.

A good choice for dry or coastal gardens. At home in a border or shrubbery but be careful they don’t get too much winter wet.

Low maintenance, hardy and vigorous. Grow in a sunny spot with moderately fertile, well drained soil. Dry tolerant once established. May rot in boggy soils.

Common names for Eriogonum fasciculatum include Wild Buckwheat, Eastern Mohave Buckwheat and Flattop Buckwheat.