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Photo:
Kathy Ketchum
Round-Headed Desert Buckwheat
Rock Wild Buckwheat
Latin Name:
Eriogonum sphaerocephalum
Oregon native mound forming shrub, sub-shriub. Heat, drought, deer, and wind resistant. Colorful yellow to orange flower in umbels that bloom starting in June through September. Pest free. Attracts birds, bees, and butterflies
Taxon ID#
35
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Level:
Low
Min. USDA Hardiness Zone:
3
Sun Preference:
Full Sun
Water Preference:
L
Soil Preference:
Sandy or rocky soils
Fertilizer Needs:
Low
Recommended Mulch:
Probably not necessary
Family:
Polygonaceae
Origins:
Plant Type:
Small Shrub (usually < 1.5' and not >3')
Native to western United States from northeastern CA to Idaho
Oregon native:
yes
Western state native:
yes
PLANT DESCRIPTION
Foliage Color:
Gray-green
Foliage Description:
Leaves small in whorls at branch tip densely covered in matted hairs
Fragrant:
yes
Predominant flower color:
Yellow
Flower Description:
Six petals 0.2-0.4" across in an umbel
Fall color:
no
Fall Color Description:
Winter Foliage:
Winter Interest:
no
Winter Interest Description:
Mature height:
18"
Mature spread:
24"
Growth rate:
Medium
LANDSCAPE APPLICATION
Deer Resistant:
no
Fire Resistant:
no
Attracts Pollinators:
yes
Attracts Butterflies:
yes
Native Habitat:
Western United States and Canada
Attracts Birds:
yes
Cut/Dried Flowers:
no

Photo:
Pat Kolling
Used by Wildlife:
yes
Hedge/Screen:
no
Swales:
no
Wildlife Use:
Nectar for pollinators and seeds for animals and birds
Border:
no
Erosion Control:
yes
Windbreak:
no
Cover Structures:
no
Ground Cover:
no
Provides Shade:
no
Rock Garden:
no
Adds Texture/Movement:
yes
First Bloom:
Apr
Last Bloom:
Jun
Ornamental Accent:
yes
Garden Observations:
SEASONAL CARE
Spring Care:
Summer Care:
Fall Care:
Winter Care:
Long Term Care:
Easy to care for so no special needs
Insect Pests:
Wildlife Pests:
Diseases:
Environmental Problems:
Landscape Problems:
None
Care Comments:
Requires little care
RESOURCES
OSU Landscape Profile:
USDA Plants:
Calscape Database:
LBJ Native Plant Database:
Missouri Botanical Garden Database:
Monrovia Profile:
Alternate Source 1:
Alternate Source 2:
Source Comment:
Meyers, S.C., T. Jaster, K.E. Mitchell, T. Harvey & L.K. Hardison, eds. 2020. Flora of Oregon. Volume 2:Dicots A-F. Botanical Research Institute of Texas, Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.A.Taylor, R. J. 2014. Sagebrush Country A Wildflower Sanctuary. Mountain Press, Missoula, MT

George & Vickie Minor
Whistle Stop Farm & Flowers
Empire Stone
Instant Landscape
McPheeter's Turf
High Desert Farms Nursery Sales
Thank you!
Join an OSU Master Gardener managed community garden this summer!
Put your name in the lottery to get a plot at either Hollinshead's or Discovery Park's community garden.
More information for: Discovery Park Garden


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