Eriogonum cithariforme var. cithariforme
Cithara wild buckwheat
(c) Kylie Etter, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kylie Etter · licence
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Eriogonum cithariforme var. cithariforme (Cithara wild buckwheat) is a native California herb in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by winged petioles, oblanceolate leaf blades, and tomentose inflorescence.
Cithara wild buckwheat is a California native annual found in southern Coastal Ranges and Transverse Ranges in sandy habitats at elevations of 500 to 2,200 meters. Flowering from May to October, this plant produces small white to cream-colored flowers in delicate clusters. Growing with slender stems up to 30 centimeters tall, it has a delicate, spreading growth habit. Its distinctive basal leaves feature oblanceolate blades with winged petioles, giving the plant a unique, lacy appearance. The plant's sparse, tomentose (woolly) surfaces provide additional textural interest in its arid habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 70 sympatric species; key features are winged petioles, oblanceolate leaf blades, and tomentose inflorescence
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Sand
Elevation: (100)500-2200 m
Bloom period
Eriogonum cithariforme var. cithariforme 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. cithariforme native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum cithariforme var. cithariforme is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum cithariforme var. cithariforme bloom?
Eriogonum cithariforme var. cithariforme blooms May-Oct.
What plant family does Eriogonum cithariforme var. cithariforme belong to?
Eriogonum cithariforme var. cithariforme is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
What habitat does Eriogonum cithariforme var. cithariforme grow in?
Eriogonum cithariforme var. cithariforme 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.