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Wild Buckweat Eriogonum umbellatum

Previously known as:

  • Eriogonum umbellatum var. intectum
Phonetic Spelling
air-ee-OH-goh-num um-bell-AY-tum
Description

Sulphur flower is a buckwheat family perennial native to parts of the western US, where it can be found in dry rocky soils in forests, foothills slopes and mountain ridges. Needing little moisture to perform well, they are suitable for water-wise gardens.  Allowing the soil to remain wet can be fatal to this plant.  

Individual plants can look different from one another, making it difficult to identify.

It is highly variable in shape and color. The red tinged buds open to reveal yellow flowers that bloom from the summer into fall, giving color to its location for an extended period of time.  Flowering occurs at the top of the stems forming dense clusters up to 4" wide.  As the blooms dry, they become a rusty color, making them a great addition to dried arrangements.  

Its matting habit, spreading to up to 3' wide, make this plant a great ground cover in locations that include hot and dry conditions.  During the cooler months, the foliage will turn to shades of red/burgundy, which will extend the season for this semi-evergreen plant.  

Propagation is best by planting seed.  This plant is difficult to divide due to its long taproots.  The roots also make transplanting a challenge.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious issues.  Powdery mildew and rust are occasional problems.  

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#semi-evergreen#herbaceous perennial#groundcover#rock garden#border planting#subshrub#dried arrangements#poor soils tolerant#rocky soils tolerant#dry soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#desert plant#wet soils intolerant#perennial#dry air tolerant#butterfly garden#dried flowers#moth friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#semi-evergreen#herbaceous perennial#groundcover#rock garden#border planting#subshrub#dried arrangements#poor soils tolerant#rocky soils tolerant#dry soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#desert plant#wet soils intolerant#perennial#dry air tolerant#butterfly garden#dried flowers#moth friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Eriogonum
    Species:
    umbellatum
    Family:
    Polygonaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Native wildflower makes a great ground cover.
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Southwestern U.S.A. to New Mexico
    Distribution:
    CA, ID, OR, WA, CO, MT, UT, SY, NV, AR, NM
    Wildlife Value:
    Butterflies, moths, and bees are attracted to the flowers. Its seeds provide a food source for birds and other wildlife.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Attracts Pollinators
    Colorful
    Easy to Grow
    Fragrance
    Wildlife Food Source
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Semi-evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Horizontal
    Prostrate
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Umbel
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Bell
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    The clusters of tiny 1/4" yellow flowers may be up to 4" wide and open from red-tinged buds. They will dry to a red/burgundy color that can be used in dried arrangements.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Semi-evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    White
    Leaf Feel:
    Leathery
    Velvety
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Undulate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The upper side of the leaf is green, while the underside is white and felted.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    The stems are leafless.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Slope/Bank
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Moths
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Dry Soil
    Heat