Sulfur Buckwheat
Eriogonum umbellatum
Also known as Sulfur-flower Buckwheat, Sulphur Flower, Sulphur-flower Buckwheat
Climate Match for your location
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A low-growing alpine perennial with silvery-green foliage and dense umbels of tiny yellow flowers. Excellent for rock gardens, xeriscape landscapes, and well-drained sunny sites.
Why grow it
Sulfur buckwheat is a hardy native perennial that tolerates poor, gravelly soils and drought better than many ornamental groundcovers, making it useful where soil amendment is impractical. Its long bloom period and low stature suit rock gardens and xeriscaping without the maintenance demands of taller or thirstier alpine species. The flowers attract native pollinators reliably across its western range.
Watch out for
This species prefers very sharp drainage and will decline in heavy clay or consistently moist soils, even in winter dormancy. In humid climates or areas with summer rainfall, root rot can be an issue despite drought tolerance elsewhere. Established plants resent transplanting, so site placement should be considered permanent.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Polygonaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-growing alpine perennial with silvery-green foliage and dense umbels of tiny yellow flowers. Excellent for rock gardens, xeriscape landscapes, and well-drained sunny sites.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Sulfur Buckwheat grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Sulfur buckwheat is a hardy native perennial that tolerates poor, gravelly soils and drought better than many ornamental groundcovers, making it useful where soil amendment is impractical. Its long bloom period and low stature suit rock gardens and xeriscaping without the maintenance demands of taller or thirstier alpine species. The flowers attract native pollinators reliably across its western range.
Watch out for
This species prefers very sharp drainage and will decline in heavy clay or consistently moist soils, even in winter dormancy. In humid climates or areas with summer rainfall, root rot can be an issue despite drought tolerance elsewhere. Established plants resent transplanting, so site placement should be considered permanent.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Polygonaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Western North America
Native to: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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