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Coast Buckwheat Wikimedia Commons
Polygonaceae

Coast Buckwheat

Eriogonum latifolium

Coastal resilience.

Family
Polygonaceae
Genus
Eriogonum
Native to
Coastal California, Oregon
Bloom season
Summer, Fall
Type
perennial subshrub
Height
1-2 ft
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
sandy, well-drained soil
Water
low
Hardiness
8-10
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • Coast buckwheat is a critical host plant for the endangered Smith's blue butterfly, found only along the California coast.
  • The dried flower heads persist through winter, turning a rusty bronze color that adds ornamental interest to the landscape.
  • Despite its name, coast buckwheat is not related to culinary buckwheat (Fagopyrum), though both are in the same family.
  • The genus Eriogonum contains over 250 species, nearly all native to North America, making it one of the largest genera on the continent.
  • Native coastal peoples used buckwheat leaves and flowers to brew a tea for treating headaches and stomach problems.

Color meanings

0

protection

1

steadiness

Uses

  • coastal erosion control
  • native pollinator garden