Eriogonum douglasii

Common Names

Douglas' Buckwheat

Summary

Douglas' buckwheat is a western United States perennial herb that forms dense mats with caudex-spreading stems and erect flowering stalks. Basal leaves form rosettes and are linear to lance-shaped, gray or whitish-haired on both surfaces; the inflorescence is a headlik e cluster of cream, yellowish, or rose-pink flowers with protruding stamens, with buds often redder outward.

It occurs in dry, rocky open flats and sagebrush flats, favoring sunny sites and dry, sandy, well-drained soils. Propagation is easy from seed (germination 1–3 months at 13–18°C) or from cuttings in late summer, with transplanting after 5–6 true leaves and minimal maintenance; drought-tolerant and suitable for xeric plantings or rock gardens; seeds can be obtained from native seed suppliers.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-6 inches

Spread

2-16 inches

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial shade

Soil Type

Dry, well-drained sandy or rocky soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral to alkaline

Bloom Color

Yellow and cream, sometimes pink or red-tinged.

Bloom Time

Spring and Summer

Foliage Color

Gray to whitish, often very white or silver-gray, with greenish adaxially

Fall Foliage Color

Silver or silver-gray

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and butterflies