California Buckwheat has several recognized varieties that are found in different ecoregions. This variety (var. polifolium) is a smaller and grayer buckwheat, commonly found in the Sonora and Mojave deserts, although its ranges covers the southern California foothills as well. It grows in southern and central California, as well as outside of the state, on dry slopes and washes and canyons, at elevations from 200-7500 feet. It is both more heat tolerant and more cold tolerant.

This is a great plant for natural landscapes especially in the foothills and deserts in its wide natural range. The gray foliage of Interior Buckwheat is striking mixed in with green of Coastal California Buckwheat,and is great plant for attracting birds, pollinators and other wildlife. Plant in full sun in a well draining site, and avoid direct summer water once established. Very tough and easy to grow, but tends to grow more slowly than the coastal variety.

Horticultural selection from Eriogonum fasciculatum var. polifolium.

St. Catherine's lace (Eriogonum giganteum) is large and showy buckwheat endemic to the Channel Islands of California. It flowers densely, in carpets of clustered tiny pinkish white flowers. Young flower heads are white and lacy, gradually turning to warm, reddish brown over the summer. This plant is fast-growing and variable in size, from 2 feet tall and wide to a sprawling or rounded bush over 9 feet high and wide. One variety, the Santa Barbara Island buckwheat, is particularly rare so should not be planted next to wildlands, especially in areas where it can hybridize with natural populations of cross-compatible species of Eriogonum.

In the garden, the plant likes fast-draining, preferably rocky, soil and regular water until it is established. It is clay tolerant when drainage is fast. It grows in full sun and adapts to high inland temperatures but does not do well in frost. Cut back after bloom.

The UC Davis Arboretum named this wildlife-friendly plant one of its "All-Stars" for use in California landscapes. It supports honey bees, native bees, birds and small mammals and hosts a likely total of 12 species of butterfly and moths.

A member of the plant family Polygonaceae, Eriogonum gracile is an annual species of wild buckwheat native to California and to parts of northwestern Baja California. There are two named varieties, E. gracile var. gracile which is more widespread in California and has a hairier (or woollier) appearance than E. gracile var. incultum which is limited to Southern California and Baja. This small, drought tolerant annual grows in many types of habitats; in sandy as well as clay soils; and in a variety of shapes, from erect to prostrate. Showy, slender, multiply branching, stems rise above the low rosettes of gray-green, smooth to hairy (or woolly), spoon-shaped leaves. The stems are lined with small clusters of flowers in shades of white and pink or yellow during the summer months or even longer. This plant, currently available through seed companies, is a good prospect for habitat restoration and for clustering among other annuals in a wild garden.

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.

This petite, attractive buckwheat originated on California's Channel Islands, but has become a popular landscape plant throughout the state. Its rosy-colored flower clusters rise above low-growing foliage and bloom from spring to fall. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, especially butterflies. After blooming, the seeds provide food for birds.

This plant spreads moderately but stays compact, making it a good choice for small spaces. It does best in full sun with a small amount of supplemental summer water. Combined with other drought-adapted plants, it does well in rock and pollinator gardens, along borders, and on slopes.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Eriogonum heracleoides (common names Parsnipflower buckwheat, Whorled buckwheat, and Wyeth buckwheat) has many flowering clusters that are cream or off-white in color. Its usual habitat is rocky areas such as sagebrush deserts and Ponderosa pine forests. Parsnipflower Buckwheat is in the genus Eriogonum and the family Polygonaceae which is a family of plants known as the "knotweed family". The Parsnipflower is a perennial flowering plant with flowers measuring 4-9 millimeter. They inhabit much of the western part of the United States. The Parsnipflower is a perennial flowering plant with flowers measuring 4-9 millimeter. Petiole leaves in loose rosettes, covered with soft hairs measuring 0.5-3 centimeter. Hairs feel woolly and matted and cover both sides of the leaf.) The flowers have one carpel (achenes). Parsnipflower Buckwheat have a whorled arrangement of leaves at midpoint of the stem.Blooms in early to mid summer. Attracts butterflies, bees, insects, and birds and is the host plant for several Palouse butterflies. )

Coast Buckwheat (Eriogonum latifolium) is a shrub-like perennial in the Buckwheat family (Polygonaceae). It has oval, wooly white-green leaves with small, pink and white flowers in round clusters at the ends of long, wooly stems. The flowers fade to an attractive copper color in the fall.

Also known as Seaside Buckwheat, it naturally grows on coastal bluffs and slopes, where it receives full sun and all of its water from fog and rainfall.

In the garden, plant Coast Buckwheat on rocky slopes, in crevices, or sunny rock walls. When planted in its natural range, it will not need additional summer water after its first year. Provide part shade and some supplemental water when planted away from the immediate coast.

Coast Buckwheat supports many pollinators, and is an important food source for butterflies and moths. Allowing the flower stalks to remain through winter provides seeds for hungry birds.

Nude buckwheat (Eriogonum nudum) is a perennial shrub in the wild buckwheat family  that features a striking, upright form. It has a basal rosette of flat green leaves from which tall, bare stems rise, reaching up to six feet. At the top of these stems, rounded clusters of white, pale pink, or yellow flowers bloom, adding delicate color to the landscape.

This adaptable plant has one of the widest ecological distributions of all buckwheats. It thrives in environments ranging from wet coastal areas to the cold, dry elevations of the Sierra Nevada. While the species is generally common, certain varieties are rare.

Nude buckwheat is easy to grow and looks especially beautiful when planted in groups for a massed effect. The nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, while its seeds provide food for birds. Additionally, the plant serves as a host for caterpillars, supporting native ecosystems.

Cascading mounds of pale pink and white flowers make sea cliff buckwheat (Erigonum parvifolium) an attractive feature of a native hillside or pollinator garden. Found on coastal cliffs in Southern and Central California, sea cliff buckwheat is also a useful selection for the home garden. It is sometimes called dune or coast buckwheat.

Sea cliff buckwheat grows in mounds up to 3 ft in width and height. This plant provides good coverage and erosion control for sloped landscapes. Alone or planted in clusters, it's also at home in rock gardens, containers, borders, and as a lawn replacement.

The small evergreen leaves are dark green, accented with a reddish tint. During the long flowering season, the blooms change from a delicate pinkish-white to a rusty brown. The blooms are an important food source for many native butterflies and moths, including endangered species such as the El Segundo Blue butterfly. 

Sea cliff buckwheat grows in full sun at the coast, but can benefit from some shade in hot inland areas. Water needs are low. Once a month watering is sufficient after the plant is established. Prune back in early spring, before flower buds appear. Deadheading is not recommended because the spent flowers provide seeds for birds and extra shade for the plants in hot weather.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and sun or part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and sun or part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Sulphur buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum) is an attractive small perennial with cute spoon-shaped leaves and bright yellow to creamy yellow flowers. This species has many varieties. It may form a small clump with rosettes of silver-green foliage and flowers to 4 inches tall, or a sprawling shrub approaching 7 feet high and wide.  It is fast growing and flowers in summer.

Sulphur buckwheat grows in full to part sun and prefers well-draining, rocky, acidic soil. It is drought-adapted, and an important pollinator plant, hosting a likely total of 37 species of butterfly and moth.

Sulphur Flower (Eriogonum umbellatum var. polyanthum) is a abundant native perennial herb that grows in central and northern California. It tends to grow in rocky areas, at elevations from 700-9800 feet.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden. Introduced by Bart O'Brien.

Eriogonum ursinum is a species of wild buckwheat known by the common names Bear Valley buckwheat and talus buckwheat. It is endemic to northern California where it is found on mountains from the northern Sierra Nevada to the southern Klamath Mountains. This is an uncommon perennial herb growing mats of leaves from a woody caudex, spreading to 60 centimeters wide at the base and growing erect flower clusters up to 40 centimeters high. The leaves are pale green to yellowish, woolly, and up to about two centimeters long. The compound flower cluster is made up of clusters of pale yellow to pale pink flowers atop long, naked stems.

Eriogonum wrightii is a species of wild buckwheat known by the common names bastardsage and Wright's buckwheat. It is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, where it grows in many plant communities in rocky habitats from mountains to deserts. It is quite variable in appearance; it may be a small perennial herb 10 centimeters tall or a bushy shrub over a meter wide. There are several varieties as well. In general it has basal leaves as well as a few leaves along the stem, which are usually narrow and woolly. The flower cluster has long, straight branches which may be hairless to woolly and have flower clusters and sometimes small leaves at the nodes. The flowers are usually white to light pink.

Wright's Buckwheat (Eriogonum wrightii var. subscaposum) is a native perennial herb or shrub that grows in northern, southern and central California. It tends to grow in dry gravel or rocks, at elevations from 700-11200 feet.

Scarlet monkeyflower is a herbacious perennial in the lopseed family. It is an attractive plant which bears red or orange-red flowers and toothed, downy leaves. It is native to the southwestern United States and Baja California. It is typically found in wetlands or moist areas. It can take full sun but seems to do better with part shade. It is sometimes used as a garden plant for its blooms, which attract hummingbirds. It is a fairly large, spreading, attractive plant which bears strongly reflexed, nectar-rich red or orange-red flowers and toothed, downy leaves. It is native to the West Coast and Southwestern United States and Baja California, and is generally found at low elevation in moist areas. Occasional populations of yellow-flowered Erythranthe cardinalis (which lack anthocyanin pigments in their corollas) are found in the wild.

Erythranthe cardinalis is cultivated in the horticulture trade and widely available as an ornamental plant for traditional gardens; natural landscape, native plant, and habitat gardens; and various types of municipal, commercial, and agency sustainable landscape projects. Cultivars come in a range of colors between yellow and red, including the "Santa Cruz Island Gold" variety, originally collected from Santa Cruz Island off the coast of California.

Grows best in loamy, medium draining soil. Selected for the garden.

Grows best in loamy, medium draining soil. Selected for the garden.

Seep Monkey Flower (Erythranthe guttata syn. Mimulus guttatus) is a perennial wildflower in the Lopseed family (Phrymaceae). As the name suggests, it grows in moist stream banks and seeps. Often it will grow with its roots submerged, and the light green foliage and yellow flowers will float on the surface of the water. Its spreading root systems make it one of the best plants for filtering water in aquatic gardens, and its abundant yellow snapdragon-shaped flowers add spectacular color to a pond in winter and spring. Note that because it aggressively spreads and copiously self seeds, it may need to be periodically pulled or cut back to prevent it from crowding out other plants.

Seep Monkey Flower attracts bees, butterflies and moths. Useful in naturally wet landscapes, such as a moist alpine meadow, along any sort of waterway, and in serpentine soils.

Mimulus moschatus is a species of monkeyflower known by the common name muskflower. It is native to western North America from British Columbia to California to the Rocky Mountains, where it grows in moist, partially shaded habitat in mountains, woodlands, and other areas. It also occurs in eastern North America where it may be native or introduced. It is known from Chile and parts of Europe, including England and Finland, where it grows wild after having escaped This is a rhizomatous perennial herb which is hairless to hairy, sometimes slimy in texture, and generally musky in scent. It is variable in appearance. The prostrate or upright stem grows up to 30 centimeters long. The oppositely arranged leaves are mostly oval in shape and may reach 6 centimeters long. The tubular flower is yellow in color, its tube just a few millimeters wide and widening at the lobed mouth. It may be up to 2.6 centimeters long.

Eschscholzia caespitosa is a species in the Papaveraceae (Poppy) family known by the common names Tufted Poppy and Foothill poppy. It is native to western North America from Oregon to Baja California where it is a member of the chaparral plant community. In California it is found primarily in the central Coast Ranges, the Sierra foothills, and the Transverse Range. This is an annual herb which is quite similar in appearance to its relative, the California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica). It produces patches of foliage made up of several leaflets per leaf and thin, erect stems up to 30 centimeters in height. The poppy flower has orange to yellow petals each one to two and a half centimeters long. The fruit is a cylindrical capsule 4 to 8 centimeters long containing tiny dark netted seeds. Because it is an annual, it is best used in a meadow-like setting with other annuals (see below).

The California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is the state flower of California. Every garden can find a place for this easy, cheerful annual. It self-seeds freely and will give your whole neighborhood poppies, but is not particularly invasive. 

The plant grows in full sun but will tolerate part shade. It reaches one to two foot tall and can be perennial in milder areas. The feathery foliage is blue-green The flowers range from yellow to bright orange, appearing from February to September, though primarily in spring. The petals may remain closed in cloudy weather. The fruit is a slender capsule which splits to release numerous small black or dark brown seeds. The seeds are ready to take when the pods become dry and brown. Birds, butterflies, bees and other pollinators are attracted to this plant. Rabbits may browse the leaves but it is deer resistant.

It is best introduced into the garden from seed sown in fall at the start of the rainy season. Do not cover the seeds with soil or mulch. California poppies like fast draining soil and plenty of sunshine but are very hardy and will also thrive in poor soil conditions, such as clay. If planting from seedlings, be careful with the long sensitive roots and water occasionally until established.

A nursery cultivated California Poppy. Pale butter-yellow blooms tip lovely gray-green finely cut foliage. A self-sower that would be dearly missed if it didn't reappear every spring, choosing edges of paths and gravelly well-drained spots.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Horticultural selection from Eschscholzia californica. Mahogany California Poppy is a colorful variation on the California state flower. Scarlet buds are breathtaking before opening. Mahogany Poppy is an annual or biennial, but will become a perennial if coastal, and will flower spring, summer and and into the fall if watered. Mahogany California Poppy is normally quite a low maintenance plant and is very easy to grow - great for beginner gardeners! Plant in full sun in average to poor, well-draining soil.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Horticultural selection from Eschscholzia californica. Moonglow California Poppy is a colorful variation on the California state flower. This variety sports beautiful creamy yellow blooms. Moonglow is an annual or biennial, but Will become a perennial if coastal, and will flower spring, summer and into the fall if watered. Moonglow California Poppy is normally quite a low maintenance plant and is very easy to grow - great for beginner gardeners! Plant in full sun in average to poor, well-draining soil Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Horticultural selection from Eschscholzia californica. Eschscholzia californica 'Purple Gleam' is a light purple-pink to dusky rose version of the state flower of the Golden state. Blooms in spring from a fall sowing, or in summer from a spring sowing. Superb in meadows or native gardens. Dead-head for extra long bloom! Poor, dry or good soil. Great for a beginner gardener. Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica ssp. californica) is a rare native perennial herb that grows in northern, southern and central California.

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica ssp. mexicana) is a native annual or perennial herb that grows in southern California. It tends to grow at elevations from 0-6600 feet.

Eschscholzia glyptosperma is a species of poppy known by the common names desert gold poppy, desert golden poppy, and Mojave poppy. It is native to the Mojave Desert and Sonoran Deserts of the Southwestern United States, in California, southern Nevada, western Arizona, and southwestern Utah. It is found in desert washes, flats, and slopes, at elevations of 30-1,600 metres (98-5,249 ft). Eschscholzia glyptosperma is an annual herb growing from a basal patch of leaves divided into pointed segments. It produces erect stems up to about 25 centimeters in height, each bearing a single flower. The poppy flower is bright yellow, with petals one to two and a half centimeters long. It blooms from March to May. The fruit is a capsule 4 to 7 centimeters long filled with tiny rounded brown seeds.

Eschscholzia hypecoides is a species of poppy known by the common name San Benito poppy. The wildflower is endemic to California where it is mainly limited to the Inner Southern California Coast Ranges, in and around San Benito County. It is a plant of oak woodlands, grassland slopes, and chaparral habitats. This wildflower was once considered a variety of the endemic tufted poppy (Eschscholzia caespitosa). Eschscholzia hypecoides is an annual herb with leaves made up of rounded segments and producing fuzzy stems up to 30 centimeters tall. Atop the thin, erect stems are bright yellow to orange poppy flowers. Each flower has petals one or two centimeters long and sometimes spotted with a darker shade of yellow or orange. The fruit is a capsule 3 to 7 centimeters long containing tiny netted brown seeds.

Eschscholzia lemmonii is a species of poppy known by the common name Lemmon's poppy. It is endemic to California, where its distribution includes the Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada foothills, and Transverse Ranges. One subspecies, the Tejon poppy, ssp. kernensis, is limited to the mountains of Kern County surrounding the Grapevine. This wildflower is an annual herb growing from a patch of segmented leaves made up of round-edged leaflets. The erect stalks grow up to 30 centimeters tall and bear orange or dark yellow poppy flowers. The fruit is a capsule 3 to 7 centimeters long containing tiny netted brown seeds.

Eschscholzia lobbii is a species of poppy known by the common name frying pans. It is endemic to California, where it grows in the Central Valley and adjacent Sierra Nevada foothills. Frying pans is a small annual herb growing from a patch of segmented leaves with pointed leaflets. It produces erect stalks up to 15 centimeters in height each bearing a single poppy flower. The petals are about a centimeter long and bright yellow to somewhat orange. The fruit is a capsule 3 to 7 centimeters long containing tiny brown seeds. The plant is named after William Lobb (1809 - 1864), the English plant collector.

Though not used as often as California Poppy (E. californica), this one would be a great choice for Central Valley gardens. Its best use is in a meadow-like patch of annual wildflowers.