Eriogonum cithariforme var. agninum
Santa ynez wild buckwheat, Santa Ynez Wild Buckwheat
(c) Kylie Etter, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kylie Etter · licence
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Eriogonum cithariforme var. agninum (Santa ynez wild buckwheat) is a native California herb in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by key distinguishing features are non-winged petioles and glabrous inflorescence vs. var. cithariforme.
Santa ynez wild buckwheat is a California native annual found in southern coastal ranges and western Transverse Ranges in sandy habitats at elevations of 500 to 1,800 meters. Flowering from May to October, this plant produces delicate white to cream-colored flowers in small clusters. Growing as a slender, low-spreading annual with thin stems reaching 10 to 30 centimeters tall. Its basal leaves are distinctive, with elliptic to ovate blades that are roughly rounded, forming a soft green rosette at the plant's base. The plant's glabrous inflorescence and delicate form make it a subtle but charming component of sandy coastal habitats.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 62 sympatric species; key distinguishing features are non-winged petioles and glabrous inflorescence vs. var. cithariforme
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Sand
Elevation: 500-1800 m
Bloom period
Eriogonum cithariforme var. agninum blooms May-Oct.
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 cithariforme var. agninum native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum cithariforme var. agninum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum cithariforme var. agninum bloom?
Eriogonum cithariforme var. agninum blooms May-Oct.
What plant family does Eriogonum cithariforme var. agninum belong to?
Eriogonum cithariforme var. agninum is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
What habitat does Eriogonum cithariforme var. agninum grow in?
Eriogonum cithariforme var. agninum grows in Uncommon. Sand.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.