Eriogonum nudum var. paralinum
Del norte buckwheat, Del Norte Buckwheat
Photo: parent species Eriogonum nudum · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Eriogonum nudum var. paralinum (Del norte buckwheat) is a native California subshrub in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by Coastal Del Norte Co. (<80 m); dwarf (0.5–2 dm), 5–10 clustered involucres.
Del norte buckwheat is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native perennial found in northern California Coast (Del Norte County) in sandy habitats at elevations below 80 meters. Flowering from June to October, this plant produces delicate white flowers in small clusters approximately 3 to 3.5 millimeters long. Growing with slender stems 5 to 20 centimeters tall that are smooth and glabrous, it has a compact, low-growing form. Its basal leaves are 1 to 2 centimeters long, with soft whitish undersides and smooth upper surfaces, creating a subtle textural contrast. The plant forms compact clusters close to the ground in its coastal sandy environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Coastal Del Norte Co. (<80 m); dwarf (0.5–2 dm), 5–10 clustered involucres
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sand
Elevation: < 80 m
California counties: Del Norte, Alpine
Outside California: southwestern Oregon
Bloom period
Eriogonum nudum var. paralinum blooms Jun-Oct.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.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. paralinum native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum nudum var. paralinum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum nudum var. paralinum bloom?
Eriogonum nudum var. paralinum blooms Jun-Oct.
Where in California does Eriogonum nudum var. paralinum grow?
Eriogonum nudum var. paralinum occurs in Del Norte, Alpine, at elevations of < 80 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum nudum var. paralinum belong to?
Eriogonum nudum var. paralinum is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
Is Eriogonum nudum var. paralinum rare or endangered?
Eriogonum nudum var. paralinum carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Eriogonum nudum var. pauciflorum — Little-flower wild buckwheat
- Eriogonum nudum var. psychicola — Antioch dunes buckwheat
- Eriogonum nudum var. pubiflorum — Fremont's wild buckwheat
- Eriogonum nudum var. regirivum — Kings river buckwheat
- Eriogonum nudum var. scapigerum — Sierran crest wild buckwheat
- Eriogonum nudum var. westonii — Weston'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.