Eriogonum ovalifolium var. vineum
Cushenbury buckwheat
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Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
Eriogonum ovalifolium var. vineum (Cushenbury buckwheat) is a native California subshrub in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by NONE sympatric - geographically isolated, making identification straightforward.
Cushenbury buckwheat is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in the northeastern San Bernardino Mountains, specifically in Cushenbury Canyon, growing on gravel or rocky terrain at elevations of 1,500 to 2,100 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces delicate white to cream flowers in compact clusters 1.5 to 3.5 centimeters wide. Growing with erect or nearly erect stems 3 to 6 centimeters tall that are slightly hairy, it forms a low, rounded plant approximately 15 to 25 centimeters in diameter. Its oval leaves are densely woolly, measuring 7 to 12 millimeters long with soft, uniform margins. The plant's compact, low-growing form and white flower clusters make it a distinctive inhabitant of its harsh, rocky high-elevation habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: NONE sympatric - geographically isolated, making identification straightforward
Habitat and range
Habitat: Gravel or rocks
Elevation: 1500-2100 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Mono
Bloom period
Eriogonum ovalifolium var. vineum blooms May-Jun.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
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 ovalifolium var. vineum native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum ovalifolium var. vineum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum ovalifolium var. vineum bloom?
Eriogonum ovalifolium var. vineum blooms May-Jun.
Where in California does Eriogonum ovalifolium var. vineum grow?
Eriogonum ovalifolium var. vineum occurs in San Bernardino, Mono, at elevations of 1500-2100 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum ovalifolium var. vineum belong to?
Eriogonum ovalifolium var. vineum is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
Is Eriogonum ovalifolium var. vineum rare or endangered?
Eriogonum ovalifolium var. vineum carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
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.