Eriogonum gilmanii
Gilman's buckwheat
(c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Matson · licence
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Eriogonum gilmanii (Gilman's buckwheat) is a native California subshrub in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by yellow flowers with red midribs and tiny leaves.
Gilman's buckwheat is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in the northern desert mountains, specifically in the Panamint and Last Chance ranges, growing in gravel habitats at elevations of 1,500 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from May to September, this plant produces pale yellow flowers with dark reddish midribs, arranged in compact clusters about 1 centimeter wide. Growing as a low-spreading mat approximately 1 to 3 decimeters in diameter, it develops scape-like stems covered in dense white tomentose hairs. Its basal leaves are small and woolly, measuring just 2 to 4 millimeters long and 1 to 2 millimeters wide, with a soft, felt-like texture. The fruit is a tiny, smooth achene approximately 2.5 to 3 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 57 sympatric species; key features are yellow flowers with red midribs and tiny leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Gravel
Elevation: 1500-2000 m
California counties: Inyo
Bloom period
Eriogonum gilmanii blooms May-Sep.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
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 gilmanii native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum gilmanii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum gilmanii bloom?
Eriogonum gilmanii blooms May-Sep.
Where in California does Eriogonum gilmanii grow?
Eriogonum gilmanii occurs in Inyo, at elevations of 1500-2000 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum gilmanii belong to?
Eriogonum gilmanii is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
Is Eriogonum gilmanii rare or endangered?
Eriogonum gilmanii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S3.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Eriogonum glandulosum — Glandular wild buckwheat
- Eriogonum gossypinum — Cottony buckwheat
- Eriogonum gracile — Slender buckwheat
- Eriogonum gracile var. gracile — Slender woolly wild buckwheat
- Eriogonum gracile var. incultum — Palomar mountain wild buckwheat
- Eriogonum gracilipes — White mountains wild 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.