Eriogonum rupinum
Wyman creek wild buckwheat, Wyman Creek Wild Buckwheat
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Eriogonum rupinum (Wyman creek wild buckwheat) is a native California herb in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by large sparsely fuzzy leaves distinguish from other species.
Wyman creek wild buckwheat is a California native perennial found in the White and Inyo Mountains in gravelly habitats at elevations of 1,700 to 3,100 meters. Flowering from July to September, this plant produces cream-colored flowers in broad clusters 15 to 25 centimeters wide. Growing with woolly stems 30 to 50 centimeters tall and 5 to 10 centimeters in diameter, it forms a compact, tomentose herb. Its basal leaves are 2.5 to 4.5 centimeters long, slightly wider than long, with sparse woolly covering on the undersides. The plant produces small fruits 2 to 4 millimeters long, which mature in late summer.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; large sparsely fuzzy leaves distinguish from other species
Habitat and range
Habitat: Gravel
Elevation: 1700-3100 m
California counties: Inyo, Mono, Tulare
Outside California: Nevada
Bloom period
Eriogonum rupinum blooms Jul-Sep.
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 rupinum native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum rupinum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum rupinum bloom?
Eriogonum rupinum blooms Jul-Sep.
Where in California does Eriogonum rupinum grow?
Eriogonum rupinum occurs in Inyo, Mono, Tulare, at elevations of 1700-3100 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum rupinum belong to?
Eriogonum rupinum is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
What habitat does Eriogonum rupinum grow in?
Eriogonum rupinum grows in Gravel.
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.