Eriogonum umbellatum
Common Name(s):
Sulfur Buckwheat
Sulfur Flower Buckwheat
Synonym:
Eriogonum latum
Sulfur Eriogonum
Flower:
Yellow
Blooms :
Jun
to:
Sep
Small yellow (< 1" wide) 6-petaled perfect flowers arranged in umbel like clusters
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
YES
Family:
Polygonaceae
Small Shrub (usually < 1.5' and not >3')
Foliage:
Gray-green
Leaves basal, 1" long, soft and woolly to hairless
Fall Color?
YES
Leaves transform into vivid red, orange, and burgandy shades, blooms mature into attractive shades of copper, rust, orange, and red
Evergreen
Photo by:
Heading 6
Leaves persist into winter retaining their fall colors
Oregon Native?
YES
West State Native?
YES
Origins:
Western United States
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
YES
Height:
6-12"
Spread:
2-3'
Growth Rate:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Dry rocky soils in forest, foothills, mountain slopes and ridges
Soil:
Dry rocky sites
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Needs no fertilizer
Mulch:
Crushed gravel, small river rock, pumice
Avoid summer watering, minimize fertilization, pruning spent blooms, sharp soil drainage
Long Term:
Winter:
No water, excellent drainage, minimal to no pruning
Spring:
Water sparingly, do not fertilize, use inorganic mulch, take stem cuttings for propagation
Summer:
Needs full sun, zero to minimal water, inorganic mulch
Fall:
Cease watering, can deadhead but leaving heads intact means food for birds and small mammals
General Care Comments:
Requires little care, avoid fertilization, keep irrigation to a strict minimum
Common Problems
Struggles through overwatering poor drainage, and heavy mulching
Diseases:
Root rot
Insects:
Aphids
Environmental Problems:
Excessive moisture in winter detrimental
Pests:
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