Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Eriogonum grande is a species of wild buckwheat known by the common name redflower buckwheat. It is native to the Channel Islands of California, as well as northwestern Baja California. It is a mat-forming perennial herb producing tall, stout flower clusters of white, pink, or red flowers. Its long bloom time in summer makes it popular with pollinators. Leaves are located mainly at the base of the plant and are wavy along the edges and up to 10 centimeters long; the upper side is dark green, the underside is very pale. Although it is spreading, it doesn't spread far or fast and retains a petite form. It is useful in rock gardens, spilling over a wall, or in the understory of larger plants. Despite its island origin, it performs well inland if given some afternoon shade and a little extra water. There are three recognized varieties in the wild. Var. rubescens is the most commonly available form found in nurseries.

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

10 - 18 in Tall
3 ft Wide

Form

Spreading

Growth rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Evergreen

Fragrance

None

Calscape icon
Color

Cream, Pink, Red, White

Flowering season

Summer, Fall

Special uses

Groundcover, Deer resistant

Sun

Full Sun

Water

Low, Very Low

Summer irrigation

Max 1x / week once established

Cold tolerance

Tolerates cold to 20° F

Soil drainage

Medium, Slow

Soil description

Tolerates clay well. Tolerates saline soil..
Soil PH: 6.0 - 8.0

Maintenance

Deadhead to stimulate more flowers

Propagation

For propagating by seed: No treatment.

Site type

Dry, rocky cliffs and protected pockets on the northern Channel Islands where the dominant atmospheric conditions are strongly marine influenced

Plant communities

Chaparral, Coastal Sage Scrub

Island companions include Island Ironwood (Lyonothamnus fasciculatus ssp. asplenifolius), Catalina Cherry (Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii), St. Catherine's Lace (Eriogonum giganteum), Island Buckwheat (Eriogonum arborescens), Island Morning Glory (Calystegia macrostegia), Island Ceanothus (Ceanothus arboreus), Channel Islands Tree Poppy (Dendromecon hardordii), Island Alum Root (Heuchera maxima), Island Mallow (Lavatera assurgentiflora), Island Pitcher Sage (Lepechinia fragrans), Island Oak (Quercus tomentella), Catalina Island Gooseberry (Ribes virburnifolium), and Santa Rosa Island Sage (Salvia brandegeei)

Birds
Bees
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

1 confirmed and 12 likely

Confirmed Likely

Avalon Hairstreak

Strymon avalona

Orange Tortrix Moth

Argyrotaenia franciscana

Bramble Hairstreak

Callophrys dumetorum

Chionodes nanodella