Eriogonum fasciculatum
California buckwheat
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Eriogonum fasciculatum (California buckwheat) is a native California shrub in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by no sympatric species.
California buckwheat is a native perennial shrub found throughout California's coastal ranges, interior valleys, and southern desert regions in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and woodland habitats at elevations from near sea level to 2,000 meters. Flowering from May to September, this plant produces white to pale pink flowers in dense clusters that gradually turn rusty brown as they age. Growing as a sprawling mat or compact shrub 1 to 2.5 meters wide with multiple woody stems, it forms an intricate, rounded shape with dense branching. Its small leaves are narrow and linear, generally less than 1.5 centimeters long with margins rolled under, creating a compact and drought-resistant appearance. The fruit is a small, smooth achene approximately 2 to 2.5 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; no sympatric species
Habitat and range
California counties: Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, San Bernardino, Ventura, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Benito, Tulare, Glenn, San Luis Obispo, Kern, Inyo, Fresno, Monterey, San Mateo, Lake, Contra Costa, Tuolumne, Merced, Santa Cruz
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 fasciculatum native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum fasciculatum is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Eriogonum fasciculatum grow?
Eriogonum fasciculatum occurs in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, San Bernardino, Ventura, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Benito and other counties.
What plant family does Eriogonum fasciculatum belong to?
Eriogonum fasciculatum is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- 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
- Eriogonum giganteum — St. catherine's-lace
- Eriogonum giganteum var. compactum — Santa barbara island 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.