Eriogonum sphaerocephalum var. halimioides
Halimium wild buckwheat, Halimium Wild Buckwheat
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Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Eriogonum sphaerocephalum var. halimioides (Halimium wild buckwheat) is a native California shrub in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by pale yellow/cream flowers distinguish from var. sphaerocephalum.
Halimium wild buckwheat is a California native shrub found in northern Sierra Nevada, Modoc Plateau, and high Cascade Range regions in sandy or gravelly habitats at elevations of 300 to 2,300 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces delicate pale yellow to cream-colored flowers in spherical clusters. Growing as a compact shrub 30 to 60 centimeters tall with multiple woody stems, it forms dense rounded shapes in its arid habitats. Its leaves are small, clustered, and typically gray-green, providing a soft textural backdrop to its distinctive floral display.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 96 sympatric species; pale yellow/cream flowers distinguish from var. sphaerocephalum
Habitat and range
Habitat: Common. Sand or gravel
Elevation: 300-2300 m
California counties: Modoc, Shasta, Lassen, Siskiyou, Sierra, Alpine, Plumas
Outside California: to Washington, Idaho, Nevada
Bloom period
Eriogonum sphaerocephalum var. halimioides blooms May-Jul.
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 sphaerocephalum var. halimioides native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum sphaerocephalum var. halimioides is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum sphaerocephalum var. halimioides bloom?
Eriogonum sphaerocephalum var. halimioides blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Eriogonum sphaerocephalum var. halimioides grow?
Eriogonum sphaerocephalum var. halimioides occurs in Modoc, Shasta, Lassen, Siskiyou, Sierra, Alpine, Plumas, at elevations of 300-2300 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum sphaerocephalum var. halimioides belong to?
Eriogonum sphaerocephalum var. halimioides is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
What habitat does Eriogonum sphaerocephalum var. halimioides grow in?
Eriogonum sphaerocephalum var. halimioides grows in Common. Sand or gravel.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- 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
- Eriogonum strictum var. proliferum — Proliferous wild buckwheat
- Eriogonum temblorense — Temblor 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.