Eriogonum caespitosum
Matted wild buckwheat, Matted Wild Buckwheat
(c) Tim Messick, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Eriogonum caespitosum (Matted wild buckwheat) is a native California subshrub in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by head-like inflorescence with branches 0, perennial mat form in Great Basin sandy habitats.
Matted wild buckwheat is a California native perennial found in the Great Basin region in sandy habitats at elevations of 1,500 to 3,000 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces yellow to rose-colored flowers in compact heads 0.5 to 2 centimeters wide with distinctive reflexed teeth. Growing as a low-spreading mat typically 10 to 50 centimeters in diameter with multiple stems up to 8 centimeters tall, it forms dense ground-covering clusters. Its basal leaves are small and woolly, measuring 2 to 10 millimeters long and less than 5 millimeters wide, with a soft tomentose texture. The mature fruits are 4 to 5 millimeters long, typically glabrous with a slightly hairy beak.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 72 species; distinguished by head-like inflorescence with branches 0, perennial mat form in Great Basin sandy habitats
Habitat and range
Habitat: Common. Sand
Elevation: (1300) 1500-3000 m
California counties: Inyo, Mono, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Sierra, Kern
Outside California: to Oregon, Montana, Utah, northwestern Arizona
Bloom period
Eriogonum caespitosum blooms Apr-Jul.
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 caespitosum native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum caespitosum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum caespitosum bloom?
Eriogonum caespitosum blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Eriogonum caespitosum grow?
Eriogonum caespitosum occurs in Inyo, Mono, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Sierra, Kern, at elevations of (1300) 1500-3000 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum caespitosum belong to?
Eriogonum caespitosum is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
What habitat does Eriogonum caespitosum grow in?
Eriogonum caespitosum grows in Common. Sand.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
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.