Eriogonum ovalifolium

Common Names

Cushion Buckwheat, Ovalleaf Eriogonum, Cushion Wild Buckwheat, Tufted Wild Buckwheat, Oval-Leaf Buckwheat

Summary

Cushion buckwheat is a western North American native perennial with a cushion- or mat-forming habit, forming pulvinate to cespitose mats with decumbent to spreading stems and a woody crown. Basal leaves are gray-green, simple, 1.5–5 cm long, oval to lance-shaped, and the inflorescences are capitate with small flowers 2.5–7 mm in colors from yellow to white, cream, rose, red, or purple; several varieties intergrade, and the plant typically grows 20–60 cm tall, forming dense cushions up to about 1 foot wide. It commonly inhabits rocky slopes, alpine ridges, sagebrush deserts, and other dry, well-drained habitats, and flowers attract bees and butterflies.

Cultivation focuses on sunny to partial-shade locations in well-drained, dry or rocky soils; drought-tolerant once established and sensitive to soggy feet. Propagation options include seed (typically in spring) or vegetative cuttings with rooting hormone, or division; plant at least 24 inches apart. After establishment, regular deep watering supports growth; uses include rock gardens, ground cover, erosion control, and restoration, with value to pollinators and suitability for xeric landscapes. It is hardy to USDA zones 5a–10b.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-12 inches

Spread

2-20 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3a-10b

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, gritty, rocky, or sandy soil, pH 5.5–8.0.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soils (sandy, rocky, loamy); avoid soggy soil

Soil pH

5.5-8.0, Neutral or alkaline

Bloom Color

White, buff, yellow, pink, red, purple, rose, cream, lavender

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Silver

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, Attracts butterflies