California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) is a tough, versatile native subshrub that serves as a keystone species for sagebrush scrub ecosystems. This low-spreading plant usually grows up to 4 feet high and wide, featuring decumbent, branched stems and small, leathery leaves with woolly undersides and rolled edges.

A favorite of pollinators, it produces profuse, flat-topped clusters of whitish, pinkish, or cream-colored flowers as early as March. These slightly fragrant blooms provide a vital source of nectar over many months before drying to a beautiful red-rust color, adding extended seasonal interest to the landscape.

Key Features:

• Keystone Species: A critical component of sagebrush scrub ecosystems and a top choice for wildlife restoration.
• Pollinator Magnet: A favorite of bees and butterflies, offering a reliable nectar source for months in dry areas.
• Changing Seasonal Color: Flowers transition from white, cream, or pink to a pretty red-rust color as they dry.
• Drought Survivor: Extremely tough and easy to grow in very dry conditions, requiring no supplemental water once established.
• Self-Mulching: As soil dries, the plant sheds dried flowers and small leaves, creating its own natural mulch.
• Pollinator-Safe: Grown non-GMO and free of harmful neonicotinoids, promoting a healthy ecosystem for pollinators and wildlife.

Available in sets of three, six, or 12 plants to suit any garden size.

Why Choose California Buckwheat?

California Buckwheat is the definition of a "low-maintenance" native. Its variable growth habit allows it to function as a spreading ground cover or, in taller forms, be shaped into hedges. It is incredibly resilient, thriving in sunny, well-draining sites where other plants struggle. Beyond its rugged beauty, it is an ecological powerhouse, supporting honey bees and native butterflies with abundant nectar throughout the blooming season.

Planting Tips:

1. Location: Prefers a well-draining, sunny site.
2. Watering: Water to establish. Once established, no water is needed, though the plant can tolerate occasional summer water.
3. Maintenance: Minimal care required. The plant naturally sheds leaves and flowers to create mulch. Taller varieties can be pruned or shaped into hedges if desired.

For more information on planting, view our How to Plant Your Native Plants guide and other planting tips in the Garden for Wildlife Learning Center. 

Add the rugged charm and ecological value of California Buckwheat to your garden for a drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly landscape that thrives with benign neglect.

Shipping Range:

• CA

Zip Code Verification: Our plants are grown regionally to thrive where you live and help local wildlife. Confirm availability for your area using the zip code checker near the add to cart button above.

Returns: Due to the nature of our products, we are unable to offer order cancellations, returns or exchanges. In order to guarantee your satisfaction, all plants are covered by our Plant Guarantee.

*To ensure your plants arrive healthy, we may delay shipments to certain areas during times of extreme temperatures, natural disasters, or other conditions that will impact the plants during transit

Sizing: At the time of shipment, our plants have a developed root mass and emerging foliage around 4-8” high.

Recommended container sizes (in width) for container planting: