Eriogonum spergulinum var. spergulinum
Spurry wild buckwheat
(c) Tim Messick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tim Messick · licence
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Eriogonum spergulinum var. spergulinum (Spurry wild buckwheat) is a native California herb in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by largest flowers (2.5-3.5mm) distinguish from other varieties.
Spurry wild buckwheat is a California native annual found in the Sierra Nevada in sandy habitats at elevations of 1,200 to 3,000 meters. Flowering from June to September, this plant produces small flowers 2.5 to 3.5 millimeters long. Growing with erect stems 10 to 40 centimeters tall, it features internodes that are distinctively glandular. Its delicate stems and sparse growth habit allow it to thrive in sandy, open environments. The flowers are glabrous, creating a subtle, understated appearance characteristic of its arid mountain habitat.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 82 sympatric species; largest flowers (2.5-3.5mm) distinguish from other varieties
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sand
Elevation: 1200-3000 m
California counties: Tulare, Calaveras, Tuolumne, Fresno, Alpine, El Dorado, Madera, Mono, Placer, Sierra, Stanislaus, Mariposa, Inyo
Bloom period
Eriogonum spergulinum var. spergulinum blooms Jun-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 spergulinum var. spergulinum native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum spergulinum var. spergulinum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum spergulinum var. spergulinum bloom?
Eriogonum spergulinum var. spergulinum blooms Jun-Sep.
Where in California does Eriogonum spergulinum var. spergulinum grow?
Eriogonum spergulinum var. spergulinum occurs in Tulare, Calaveras, Tuolumne, Fresno, Alpine, El Dorado, Madera, Mono and other counties, at elevations of 1200-3000 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum spergulinum var. spergulinum belong to?
Eriogonum spergulinum var. spergulinum is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
What habitat does Eriogonum spergulinum var. spergulinum grow in?
Eriogonum spergulinum var. spergulinum grows in Sand.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Eriogonum sphaerocephalum — Rock buckwheat
- Eriogonum sphaerocephalum var. halimioides — Halimium wild buckwheat
- Eriogonum sphaerocephalum var. sphaerocephalum — Rock wild buckwheat
- Eriogonum strictum — Blue mountain buckwheat
- Eriogonum strictum var. anserinum — Goose lake wild buckwheat
- Eriogonum strictum var. greenei — Greene's buckwheat
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.