Eriogonum nudum var. murinum
Mouse buckwheat
Photo: parent species Eriogonum nudum · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Eriogonum nudum var. murinum (Mouse buckwheat) is a native California subshrub in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by s Sierra foothills (Kaweah R. drainage) endemic; 5–10 clustered involucres, hairy flowers.
Mouse buckwheat is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in southern Sierra Nevada foothills in the Kaweah River drainage of Tulare County, growing in sandy habitats at elevations of 400 to 700 meters. Flowering from May to October, this plant produces white flowers approximately 3 to 4 millimeters long with delicate hairy perianths. Growing 3 to 6 decimeters tall with glabrous stems 2 to 3 decimeters in length, it forms an open, branching structure. Its leaves are distinctively tomentose, with blades 1.5 to 3.5 centimeters long and 1 to 2 centimeters wide, surrounded by protective sheaths. The inflorescence spreads 15 to 30 centimeters wide, with 10 to 20 centimeter branches and multiple small, glabrous involucres.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: s Sierra foothills (Kaweah R. drainage) endemic; 5–10 clustered involucres, hairy flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sand
Elevation: 400-700 m
California counties: Tulare
Bloom period
Eriogonum nudum var. murinum blooms May-Oct.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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 nudum var. murinum native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum nudum var. murinum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum nudum var. murinum bloom?
Eriogonum nudum var. murinum blooms May-Oct.
Where in California does Eriogonum nudum var. murinum grow?
Eriogonum nudum var. murinum occurs in Tulare, at elevations of 400-700 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum nudum var. murinum belong to?
Eriogonum nudum var. murinum is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
Is Eriogonum nudum var. murinum rare or endangered?
Eriogonum nudum var. murinum carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Eriogonum nudum var. nudum — Naked wild buckwheat
- Eriogonum nudum var. oblongifolium — Harford's wild buckwheat
- Eriogonum nudum var. paralinum — Del norte buckwheat
- Eriogonum nudum var. pauciflorum — Little-flower wild buckwheat
- Eriogonum nudum var. psychicola — Antioch dunes buckwheat
- Eriogonum nudum var. pubiflorum — Fremont's 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.