Eriogonum cinereum
Coastal wild buckwheat, Coastal Wild Buckwheat
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Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Eriogonum cinereum (Coastal wild buckwheat) is a native California shrub in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by large shrub form, white-tomentose broad leaves (1-2.5cm wide), head-like inflorescence.
Coastal wild buckwheat is a California native shrub found in southern Central Coast, western Southern Coast, and northern Channel Islands bioregions, particularly on Santa Rosa Island, inhabiting sandy areas at elevations below 400 meters. Flowering throughout the year, this plant produces white to pale pink flowers in compact heads 1 to 2.5 centimeters wide. Growing 6 to 15 decimeters tall with a spread of 10 to 20 decimeters, it develops hairy stems and a distinctive growth form. Its cauline leaves are white-tomentose, measuring 1.5 to 3 centimeters long and 1 to 2.5 centimeters wide, with a soft, woolly appearance. The tiny flowers feature spoon-shaped to narrowly obovate perianth lobes, creating a delicate and textured visual presence in its sandy coastal habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 71 species; distinguished by large shrub form, white-tomentose broad leaves (1-2.5cm wide), head-like inflorescence
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Sand
Elevation: < 400 m
California counties: Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, San Bernardino, Orange, Marin, San Diego
Bloom period
Eriogonum cinereum blooms All year.
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 cinereum native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum cinereum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum cinereum bloom?
Eriogonum cinereum blooms All year.
Where in California does Eriogonum cinereum grow?
Eriogonum cinereum occurs in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, San Bernardino, Orange, Marin, San Diego, at elevations of < 400 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum cinereum belong to?
Eriogonum cinereum is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
What habitat does Eriogonum cinereum grow in?
Eriogonum cinereum grows in Uncommon. Sand.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Eriogonum cithariforme — Cithara buckwheat
- Eriogonum cithariforme var. agninum — Santa ynez wild buckwheat
- Eriogonum cithariforme var. cithariforme — Cithara wild buckwheat
- Eriogonum clavatum — Hoover's desert trumpet
- Eriogonum collinum — Hill buckwheat
- Eriogonum compositum var. compositum — Arrow-leaf wild buckwheat
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.