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Buckwheat Fagopyrum esculentum

Previously known as:

  • Fagopyrum fagopyrum
  • Fagopyrum sagittatum
  • Fagopyrum vulgare
  • Polygonum fagopyrum
Phonetic Spelling
fah-goh-PY-rum es-kew-LEN-tum
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Buckwheat is a quick-growing edibile summer annual in the Polygonaceae family.  Though not a legume, is an excellent cover crop. The seeds germinate quickly, within 3 to 4 days of sowing and when harvested are edbile as a grain.  When densely planted it efectively supresses weeds and supports a variety of beneficial insects, including honeybees. The flowers appear quickly on new plants and are long-lasting in bouquets.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant flowers#fall flowers#white flowers#honey bees#flower arrangements#small mammals#fast growing#summer flowers#cutting garden#edible seeds#food source fall#nectar plant fall#nectar plant summer#cover crop#bird friendly#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant flowers#fall flowers#white flowers#honey bees#flower arrangements#small mammals#fast growing#summer flowers#cutting garden#edible seeds#food source fall#nectar plant fall#nectar plant summer#cover crop#bird friendly#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Fagopyrum
    Species:
    esculentum
    Family:
    Polygonaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Eastern Tibet to China
    Wildlife Value:
    A minor source of food for large and small mammals and songbirds. A nectar source for honeybees and other beneficial insects.
    Edibility:
    Cooked seeds can be eaten as a cereal grain.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Edible
    Wildflower
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Nut
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    3-sided brown nutlet look like tiny pyramids
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    White
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Good Cut
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Small white with pink anthers fragrant in terminal or axillary clusters.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Arrowhead-shaped alternate leaves and swollen sheathes.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Hollow stems
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Theme:
    Pollinator Garden
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Pollinators
    Songbirds
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Skin rash following ingestion and exposure to sunlight, in susceptible individuals.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Fagopyrin
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Fruits