Eriogonum crocatum
Conejo buckwheat
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Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Eriogonum crocatum (Conejo buckwheat) is a native California shrub in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by bright yellow flowers and winged stipes are unique characteristics.
Conejo buckwheat is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native shrub found in the southern Western Transverse Ranges, specifically in the northwestern Santa Monica Mountains of Ventura County, on volcanic landscapes at elevations of 60 to 150 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces bright yellow flowers in dense clusters 3 to 8 centimeters wide, with distinctive narrow oblong petals. Growing as a compact subshrub 3 to 5 decimeters tall with a spread of 5 to 10 decimeters, it features densely tomentose (woolly) stems and branches. Its cauline leaves are grayish and densely woolly, measuring 1 to 3 centimeters long and 0.8 to 2.5 centimeters wide, creating a soft, textured appearance. The fruit is small and glabrous, measuring 2.5 to 3 millimeters in length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 51 sympatric species; bright yellow flowers and winged stipes are unique characteristics
Habitat and range
Habitat: Volcanics
Elevation: 60-150 m
California counties: Ventura, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Orange, Yolo
Bloom period
Eriogonum crocatum blooms Apr-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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 crocatum native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum crocatum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum crocatum bloom?
Eriogonum crocatum blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Eriogonum crocatum grow?
Eriogonum crocatum occurs in Ventura, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Orange, Yolo, at elevations of 60-150 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum crocatum belong to?
Eriogonum crocatum is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
Is Eriogonum crocatum rare or endangered?
Eriogonum crocatum carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, 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 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.