Eriogonum parvifolium
Seacliff wild buckwheat, Seacliff Wild Buckwheat
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Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Eriogonum parvifolium (Seacliff wild buckwheat) is a native California shrub in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by coastal shrub habit and low elevation distinctive.
Seacliff wild buckwheat is a California native shrub found in coastal bioregions of central and southern California in sandy habitats at elevations below 410 meters. Flowering throughout the year, this plant produces white to pink-yellow flowers in clusters up to 30 centimeters long and 10 centimeters wide. Growing as a compact shrub 3 to 10 decimeters tall with a spread of 5 to 20 decimeters, it has a distinctive tomentose or glabrous stem structure. Its leaves are narrow to nearly round, 0.5 to 3 centimeters long, with a woolly underside and generally smooth upper surface. In sandy coastal environments, this wild buckwheat forms a low, spreading shrub that provides distinctive ground cover with its delicate flower clusters.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 30 sympatric species; coastal shrub habit and low elevation distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: Common. Sand
Elevation: < 410 m
California counties: Ventura, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Orange, Mendocino
Bloom period
Eriogonum parvifolium blooms All year.
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 parvifolium native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum parvifolium is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum parvifolium bloom?
Eriogonum parvifolium blooms All year.
Where in California does Eriogonum parvifolium grow?
Eriogonum parvifolium occurs in Ventura, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Orange, Mendocino, at elevations of < 410 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum parvifolium belong to?
Eriogonum parvifolium is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
What habitat does Eriogonum parvifolium grow in?
Eriogonum parvifolium grows in Common. Sand.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
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.