1. *Red/Rosy buckwheat – Eriogonum grande var. rubescens
(air-ee-OG-oh-num GRAHN-day ru-BES-sens )
Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Native to: Endemic to n Channel Islands (San Miguel, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa islands) off CA
coast; uncommon on dry cliffs and bluffs, coastal grassland and scrub communities < 1000 ft.
Growth characteristics: perennial/sub-shrub mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 1-4 ft.
Spreading low sub-shrub, evergreen except in serious drought with green to silvery-green foliage.
Mounded form. Leaves are oval or spoon-shaped, somewhat crinkled and larger than many local
buckwheat’s. Leaves green above, white-hairy beneath. Attractive, tidy appearance. Lives 3-5
years but will replace itself by reseeding in most gardens.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in summer/fall – sometimes as early as Apr but full bloom usually in June-
July in local gardens. Flowers range in color from medium to bright pink fading to rust. Flowers
tiny but clustered in dense balls above foliage. One of the showier CA buckwheats. Excellent color!
Uses in the garden: Often used to line walkways and paths due to its tidy form and bright flowers.
Excellent habitat plant – attracts many types of insect. Lovely massed or paired with white, pink,
even yellow flowers. Naturalizes charmingly. Good choice for rock garden, narrow bed, containers.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native perennials.
Attracts: Excellent pollinator, butterfly & bird habitat: provides nectar, pollen and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun on coast; some afternoon shade in hot gardens
Soil Any, but loves clay; any local pH
Water Best looking with occasional summer water (Water Zone 1-2 or 2)
Fertilizer Only needed for container-grown; ¼ strength should do
Other If mulched use an inorganic or thin layer of organic mulch
Management: Prune back in fall to keep tidy; don’t cut into the wood. Remove spent flowers after
birds have eaten their fill (& winds have spread the seed). Hybridizes with other buckwheats. Easy.
Propagation: from seed: easy from fresh by cuttings: yes; late summer, non-blooming stems
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 5, 6-8, 11, 13, 14, 19, 20, 24, 25, 46 7/1/14
* not native to western Los Angeles County, but a CA native © Project SOUND