Eriogonum evanidum
Vanishing wild buckwheat
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Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Eriogonum evanidum (Vanishing wild buckwheat) is a native California herb in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by sessile involucres and cream flowers.
Vanishing wild buckwheat is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in Bear Valley and scattered regions of the Peninsular Ranges in sandy habitats at elevations of 1,100 to 2,100 meters. Flowering from July to October, this plant produces cream-colored flowers in small, compact clusters with subtle cream perianth lobes. Growing as a low-spreading annual 10 to 20 centimeters tall with generally tomentose stems, it develops a delicate and compact form. Its basal leaves are approximately round, 7 to 12 millimeters long, with dense tomentose surfaces that give the plant a soft, grayish appearance. The small fruits are smooth and elongated, measuring 1.3 to 1.5 millimeters in length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 53 sympatric species; key features are sessile involucres and cream flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sand
Elevation: 1100-2100 m
California counties: San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside
Outside California: northern Baja California
Bloom period
Eriogonum evanidum blooms Jul-Oct.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
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 evanidum native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum evanidum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum evanidum bloom?
Eriogonum evanidum blooms Jul-Oct.
Where in California does Eriogonum evanidum grow?
Eriogonum evanidum occurs in San Diego, San Bernardino, Riverside, at elevations of 1100-2100 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum evanidum belong to?
Eriogonum evanidum is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
Is Eriogonum evanidum rare or endangered?
Eriogonum evanidum carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Eriogonum exaltatum — Ladder wild buckwheat
- Eriogonum fasciculatum — California buckwheat
- Eriogonum fasciculatum var. fasciculatum — Coastal california buckwheat
- Eriogonum fasciculatum var. flavoviride — Sonoran desert california buckwheat
- Eriogonum fasciculatum var. foliolosum — Leafy california buckwheat
- Eriogonum fasciculatum var. polifolium — Mojave desert california buckwheat
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.