Eriogonum compositum
Common Name(s):
Arrowleaf Buckwheat
Heartleaf Buckwheat
Synonym:
Eriogonum johnstonii
Northern Buckwheat
Flower:
Yellow
Blooms :
Apr
to:
Jul
Flower yellow, sometimes white, with six petals which are borne in simple or compound unbels
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
NO
Family:
Polygonaceae
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Foliage:
Dark green upper surface and a white wooly under surface
Leaves, on long, slender stalks, are oval to heart-shaped. Matted clumps of basal leaves with leafless stems
Fall Color?
YES
Flower heads fade into attractive rusty-red seed heads
Deciduous
Photo by:
Heading 6
Oregon Native?
YES
West State Native?
YES
Origins:
Southwestern Idaho to Oregon and Washinton,.south to California and north to British Columbia
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
5
Water Needs:
VL
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
YES
Height:
12-24"
Spread:
6-12"
Growth Rate:
Slow
Native Habitat:
Cliffs; talus; open rocky slopes
Soil:
Dry, rocky soils
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Does not need fertilizer
Mulch:
Small gravel, crushed rock, or pumice
Pinch or lightly prune the center after planting, or else the center of the plant will either mound up or thin out, requires sharp highly-drained soil (rocky, sandy, or gravelly), skip fertilizer, use inorganic mulch, can deadhead or leave intact for birds
Long Term:
Winter:
None required
Spring:
Prune away dead and frost damaged branches, check soil moisture, avoid cutting old woody stems
Summer:
Give full sun, little to no irrigation, can deadhead spent flowers or leave seed heads for the birds
Fall:
Lightly pinch back in fall for denser growth following year
General Care Comments:
Needs full sun, well-drained soil, no fertilizer, mulch with crushed gravel, rock, or pine needles
Common Problems
Waterlogged soils
Diseases:
Root rot, powdery mildew
Insects:
Provides food for some caterpillar species and attract predatory flies, true bugs, bees, parasitic wasps
Environmental Problems:
Too much water, encroachment from invasive species
Pests:
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