Eriogonum microtheca var. lacus-ursi
Bear lake buckwheat, Bear Lake Buckwheat
Photo: parent species Eriogonum microtheca · (c) Jared Shorma, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Eriogonum microtheca var. lacus-ursi (Bear lake buckwheat) is a native California shrub in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by . Key features: Bear Valley clay soils, narrow rolled leaves, cream flowers.
Bear lake buckwheat is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native shrub found in Bear Valley in clay habitats at elevations of 2,000 to 2,100 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces cream-colored flowers in compact clusters approximately 1 to 3 centimeters long. Growing as a low subshrub 15 to 20 centimeters tall with a broad spread of 40 to 60 centimeters, it forms a dense, rounded shape. Its small leaves are tomentose underneath, approximately 0.7 to 1.5 centimeters long with margins rolled tightly under, creating a compact and delicate appearance. The plant's tiny cream flowers and distinctive rolled leaf margins make it a unique species adapted to high-elevation clay environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 50 sympatric species. Key features: Bear Valley clay soils, narrow rolled leaves, cream flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Clay
Elevation: 2000-2100 m
Bloom period
Eriogonum microtheca var. lacus-ursi blooms Jul-Aug.
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 microtheca var. lacus-ursi native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum microtheca var. lacus-ursi is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum microtheca var. lacus-ursi bloom?
Eriogonum microtheca var. lacus-ursi blooms Jul-Aug.
What plant family does Eriogonum microtheca var. lacus-ursi belong to?
Eriogonum microtheca var. lacus-ursi is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
Is Eriogonum microtheca var. lacus-ursi rare or endangered?
Eriogonum microtheca var. lacus-ursi carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Eriogonum microtheca var. lacus-ursi grow in?
Eriogonum microtheca var. lacus-ursi grows in Clay.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Eriogonum microtheca var. lapidicola — Inyo mountains buckwheat
- Eriogonum microtheca var. laxiflorum — Great basin wild buckwheat
- Eriogonum microtheca var. panamintense — Panamint mountains buckwheat
- Eriogonum microtheca var. schoolcraftii — Schoolcraft's wild buckwheat
- Eriogonum microtheca var. simpsonii — Simpson's wild buckwheat
- Eriogonum mohavense — Western mojave wild buckwheat
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.