Eriogonum pyrolifolium var. pyrolifolium
Pyrola-leaved buckwheat, Pyrola-Leaved Buckwheat
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Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Eriogonum pyrolifolium var. pyrolifolium (Pyrola-leaved buckwheat) is a native California subshrub in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by smooth leaves and glandular flowers.
Pyrola-leaved buckwheat is a rare (CNPS 2B.3) California native perennial found in the high Cascade Range in sandy habitats at elevations of 1,600 to 3,300 meters. Flowering from July to September, this plant produces white to cream-colored flowers in delicate clusters. Growing with ascending stems 3 to 10 centimeters tall, it has a distinctive low-growing form with sparse glandular hairs. Its glabrous leaves form a basal rosette with smooth, rounded blades that provide a delicate backdrop to the plant's sparse flowering structure. The plant's compact size and sandy habitat make it a subtle but intriguing component of high-elevation landscapes.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 35 sympatric species; key features are smooth leaves and glandular flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Locally common. Sand
Elevation: (800)1600-3300 m
California counties: Shasta, Siskiyou
Outside California: Washington, Idaho
Bloom period
Eriogonum pyrolifolium var. pyrolifolium blooms Jul-Sep.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
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 pyrolifolium var. pyrolifolium native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum pyrolifolium var. pyrolifolium is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum pyrolifolium var. pyrolifolium bloom?
Eriogonum pyrolifolium var. pyrolifolium blooms Jul-Sep.
Where in California does Eriogonum pyrolifolium var. pyrolifolium grow?
Eriogonum pyrolifolium var. pyrolifolium occurs in Shasta, Siskiyou, at elevations of (800)1600-3300 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum pyrolifolium var. pyrolifolium belong to?
Eriogonum pyrolifolium var. pyrolifolium is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
Is Eriogonum pyrolifolium var. pyrolifolium rare or endangered?
Eriogonum pyrolifolium var. pyrolifolium carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S3.
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.