Eriogonum hoffmannii var. robustius
Robust hoffmann's buckwheat, Robust Hoffmann's Buckwheat
(c) Adam J. Searcy, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Adam J. Searcy · licence
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Eriogonum hoffmannii var. robustius (Robust hoffmann's buckwheat) is a native California herb in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by wavy leaf margins distinguish from other hoffmannii varieties.
Robust hoffmann's buckwheat is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native annual found in the northeastern Mojave Desert Mountains, specifically in the Black and Funeral Mountains, in sandy habitats at elevations of 100 to 1,700 meters. Flowering from August to November, this plant produces small white to pale cream-colored flowers in delicate clusters. Growing 40 to 100 centimeters tall with an upright, robust form, it develops distinctive wavy-edged leaves at its base and along its stems. Its leaf blades are broadly spread, measuring 2 to 5 centimeters long and 3 to 8 centimeters wide, with characteristically undulating margins that give the plant a soft, textured appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; wavy leaf margins distinguish from other hoffmannii varieties
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sand
Elevation: 100-1700 m
California counties: Inyo
Bloom period
Eriogonum hoffmannii var. robustius blooms Aug-Nov.
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 hoffmannii var. robustius native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum hoffmannii var. robustius is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum hoffmannii var. robustius bloom?
Eriogonum hoffmannii var. robustius blooms Aug-Nov.
Where in California does Eriogonum hoffmannii var. robustius grow?
Eriogonum hoffmannii var. robustius occurs in Inyo, at elevations of 100-1700 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum hoffmannii var. robustius belong to?
Eriogonum hoffmannii var. robustius is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
Is Eriogonum hoffmannii var. robustius rare or endangered?
Eriogonum hoffmannii var. robustius carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S3.
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.