1. Ashy-leaf Buckwheat – Eriogonum cinereum
(air-ee-OG-oh-num sin-AIR-ee-um)
Family: Polygonaceae (Buckwheat Family)
Native to: Coastal CA from Santa Barbara to San Pedro, including Channel Islands; bluffs & dunes
along the coast & on slopes & ridges a bit further inland.
perennial sub-shrub mature height: 3-5 ft.
mature width: 3-6 ft.
Spreading semi-evergreen shrub or sub-shrub (woody & herbaceous). Plants is many-branched,
with gray-green to white foliage. Leaves are 1-2 inches long, hairy beneath, with undulating edges.
Growth characteristics:
Usually blooms June to Oct. in our area, but may bloom earlier or later. Clusters of
light pink flowers on elongated flowering stems. Very showy and long-blooming.
Fruits are dry
capsules – showy brown in fall.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Often used as a specimen plant because of its attractive gray-green foliage and
showy blooms. Excellent ground cover, particularly along the coast. Fine on slopes.
Excellent
habitat plant. Would do fine in planters and large pots. Should be used more, particularly in sandy
coastal gardens.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native gray-foliage shrubs.
Excellent habitat plant: provides nectar and pollen for native pollinators including bees,
butterflies and others. Also provides cover and seeds for bird and small animal food.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun best on coast; some shade in hottest gardens
Any, from sandy to clay, as long as it is well drained; any local pH
Very drought tolerant once established. Looks best will occasional summer water,
but let soil dry out between waterings.
None required
Tolerates seaside conditions, alkali and moderately salty soils
Easy to grow in well-drained soils.
every few years to keep it bushy.
Management:
Propagation: from seed:
no treatment required
Can be cut back to 6-8 inches from ground
by cuttings: probably, semi-softwood in
spring
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 24
7/3/13
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