How to Manage Pests

Buckwheat—Eriogonum spp.
Family Polygonaceae (Buckwheat family)

Plant Identification

Eriogonum spp. are shrubby perennials that grow from 1 to 5 feet tall and can spread 5 feet wide or more.  Tan to reddish-brown flowers form on the ends of long stems or in clusters, attracting butterflies and birds.

Optimum conditions for growth

Buckwheat is often planted in rock gardens or found covering dry banks.  It does well in areas with full sun and requires little to moderate water.  In hot climates, water deeply at least twice a month.  Buckwheat prefers loose, gravelly soil that is well drained.  It tolerates wind and heat.  Prune young plants to maintain their shape.  Older plants are harder to shape if they weren’t pruned when young.

Foliage of San Miguel Island buckwheat

Flower clusters of San Miguel Island buckwheat