Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

American valley sulphur flower (Eriogonum umbellatum var. dumosum) is a rounded, mounding perennial in the wild buckwheat genus. This variety is native to Northern California and produces clusters of bright yellow to creamy yellow flowers in summer and fall. Its spoon-shaped leaves form a tidy mound that adds structure and color to dry gardens.

Like other sulphur buckwheats, this plant thrives in hot, dry, rocky areas and is highly drought-adapted. It prefers full to part sun and well-draining, rocky, acidic soil. Due to the species' wide distribution across the western U.S., sulphur flower can vary dramatically in appearance—this local variety is especially suited to California’s mountain and foothill gardens.

American valley sulphur flower is a valuable plant for wildlife: it supports native bees and butterflies, including as a larval host plant for certain butterflies, and its seeds and structure provide food and shelter for birds.


Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

1 - 2 ft Tall

Form

Round, mounding

Growth rate

Moderate, slow

Dormancy

Summer Semi-deciduous

Calscape icon
Color

Yellow

Flowering season

Summer, Fall

Water

Very Low, Low

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 23 likely

Confirmed Likely

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