Eriogonum cedrorum
The cedars buckwheat, The Cedars Buckwheat
(c) Roger Raiche, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Eriogonum cedrorum (The cedars buckwheat) is a native California perennial in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by long, soft, wavy hairs throughout, serpentine habitat, flat leaf margins.
The cedars buckwheat is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in northwestern California coastal ranges in serpentine habitats at elevations of 300 to 600 meters. Flowering from May to October, this plant produces yellow to red-maroon flowers in compact clusters 1 to 3 centimeters wide. Growing as a low mat 1 to 3 decimeters in diameter with delicate stems less than 8 centimeters tall covered in long, soft, wavy hairs. Its basal leaves are small, 0.7 to 1.5 centimeters long, with dense white tomentose undersides and sparse upper surfaces. The flower clusters feature 6 to 8 tiny teeth surrounding soft, wavy involucres 4 to 6.5 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 24 species; key features are long, soft, wavy hairs throughout, serpentine habitat, flat leaf margins
Habitat and range
Habitat: Serpentine
Elevation: 300-600 m
California counties: Sonoma
Bloom period
Eriogonum cedrorum blooms May-Oct.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
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 cedrorum native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum cedrorum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum cedrorum bloom?
Eriogonum cedrorum blooms May-Oct.
Where in California does Eriogonum cedrorum grow?
Eriogonum cedrorum occurs in Sonoma, at elevations of 300-600 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum cedrorum belong to?
Eriogonum cedrorum is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
Is Eriogonum cedrorum rare or endangered?
Eriogonum cedrorum carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S1.
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 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.