Eriogonum giganteum var. compactum

Santa barbara island buckwheat, Santa Barbara Island Buckwheat

Family: Polygonaceae · Type: shrub · Native

Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3

Santa barbara island buckwheat is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native shrub found on southern Channel Islands, specifically Santa Barbara Island, in gravel habitats at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from May to October, this plant produces white to cream-colored flowers in compact clusters 2 to 15 centimeters wide. Growing 4 to 6 decimeters tall with densely tomentose stems 2 to 3 decimeters long, it forms a compact, robust structure. Its leaves are tomentose with blades 2.5 to 3.5 centimeters long and 1.5 to 2 centimeters wide, creating a soft, grayish-green appearance. The small flowers and fruits, measuring approximately 2 to 2.5 millimeters, contribute to its delicate yet sturdy botanical character.

Habitat: Gravel

Bloom period: May-Oct

Elevation: < 100 m

Bioregions: s ChI (Santa Barbara Island).

California counties: Santa Barbara

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.