Eriogonum Species, California Buckwheat, Eastern Mojave Buckwheat, Flat-Top Buckwheat

This buckwheat is a very common native shrub in the Southern California chaparral. It tends to get woody and bare at the base with age; ...Read MoreI have seen wild specimens which are eight feet across but quite bald at the bottom. In my garden I shear the plant back by a third in December or January to encourage a more compact habit.

Seed heads are very long lasting. Over the course of six months they gradually fade from cream to tan to rust to dark brown. I think their form and color is very subtle and compliments brighter, brassier lantanas and rockroses beautifully. However, this fall my mother looked at my (very healthy) rust-colored buckwheat and said, "aren't you going to dig up that dying plant?" I guess a plant's appeal is very subjective...

Once established, this buckwheat will survive without any supplemental irrigation in Southern California. However, I do give my buckwheats a good soaking once a month to keep them looking fresh. In the chaparral it tends to grow on slopes, so I assume that good drainage is essential.