Eriogonum breedlovei var. breedlovei
Breedlove's buckwheat
Photo: parent species Eriogonum breedlovei · (c) Ryan Donnelly, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Eriogonum breedlovei var. breedlovei (Breedlove's buckwheat) is a native California herb in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by erect, densely glandular stems and very short peduncles (0.05-0.2 cm) on quartzite.
Breedlove's buckwheat is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in southern Sierra Nevada Mountains, specifically in the Piute Mountains of Kern County, growing on quartzite landscapes at elevations of 2,300 to 2,500 meters. Flowering from June to September, this plant produces delicate white to cream-colored flowers in small clusters. Growing with erect stems that are densely covered in glandular hairs, it forms a compact and distinctive profile. Its leaves are small and clustered, contributing to the plant's intricate texture and appearance in its rocky, high-elevation habitat. The compact growth and specialized habitat make this rare buckwheat a unique element of the southern Sierra Nevada's botanical landscape.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 67 species; distinguished by erect, densely glandular stems and very short peduncles (0.05-0.2 cm) on quartzite
Habitat and range
Habitat: Quartzite
Elevation: 2300-2500 m
California counties: Kern
Bloom period
Eriogonum breedlovei var. breedlovei blooms Jun-Sep.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Adenostoma: Eriogonum has flowers in cup-like involucres; Adenostoma has tiny white rose-family flowers in spikes.; vs Salvia: Eriogonum has six similar perianth parts; Salvia has two-lipped tubular flowers.; vs Fagopyrum: Eriogonum has flowers in involucred clusters; Fagopyrum has loose branching sprays without involucres.; vs Artemisia: Eriogonum has cup-surrounded flower clusters; Artemisia has tiny inconspicuous heads in drooping sprays.; vs Chorizanthe: Eriogonum has multiple flowers per involucre; Chorizanthe has one flower per involucre with spiny teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Is Eriogonum breedlovei var. breedlovei native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum breedlovei var. breedlovei is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum breedlovei var. breedlovei bloom?
Eriogonum breedlovei var. breedlovei blooms Jun-Sep.
Where in California does Eriogonum breedlovei var. breedlovei grow?
Eriogonum breedlovei var. breedlovei occurs in Kern, at elevations of 2300-2500 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum breedlovei var. breedlovei belong to?
Eriogonum breedlovei var. breedlovei is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
Is Eriogonum breedlovei var. breedlovei rare or endangered?
Eriogonum breedlovei var. breedlovei carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.