Eriogonum sphaerocephalum
Common Name(s):
Round-Headed Desert Buckwheat
Rock Wild Buckwheat
Synonym:
Eriogonu fasciculifolium
Rock buckwheat
Flower:
Yellow
Blooms :
Apr
to:
Jun
Six petals 0.2-0.4" across in an umbel
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
YES
Family:
Polygonaceae
Small Shrub (usually < 1.5' and not >3')
Foliage:
Gray-green
Leaves small in whorls at branch tip densely covered in matted hairs
Fall Color?
YES
Flower heads fade from vibrant yellow into stunning long lasting shades of rusty brown, copper, and deep reddish pink
Semi-evergreen
Photo by:
Heading 6
The colorful seed heads hold their structural shape well into winter
Oregon Native?
YES
West State Native?
YES
Origins:
Native to western United States from northeastern CA to Idaho
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
3
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
NO
Firewise?
YES
Height:
6-16"
Spread:
1-2'
Growth Rate:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Western United States and Canada
Soil:
Sandy or rocky soils
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Requires no fertilizer
Mulch:
1-2" layer of pea gravel, crushed rock. or scoria
Water to establish then no watering , no fertilizer, can remove spent flower heads but can also leave for the birds
Long Term:
Winter:
Mulch if not done in fall, leave flower heads intact. do not water
Spring:
Full sun, well-draining, nutrient poor rock or sandy soil, no irrigation, remove old spent seed heads, prune but avoid cutting into woody stems
Summer:
Little needed but a deep watering once a month if drought conditions occur
Fall:
Cease all watering, can snip off dried flower heads or leave intact for the birds, mulch
General Care Comments:
Very low water, fast-draining soils, prune to shape when young then avoid cutting into woody stems
Common Problems
Too much water
Diseases:
Root and crown rot, powdery mildew, wood canker
Insects:
Aphids, caterpillars
Environmental Problems:
Poorly drained soils
Pests:
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