Eriogonum strictum var. proliferum
Proliferous wild buckwheat, Proliferous Wild Buckwheat
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jim Morefield · licence
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Eriogonum strictum var. proliferum (Proliferous wild buckwheat) is a native California subshrub in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by larger leaves and elongated flower clusters distinguish from other varieties.
Proliferous wild buckwheat is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges, northern North Coast Ranges, North Coast Ranges, Cascade Range, northeastern Sierra Nevada, and western Modoc Plateau in sandy or gravelly habitats at elevations of 400 to 2,700 meters. Flowering from June to September, this plant produces delicate white to rose or purple flowers 3 to 5 millimeters long. Growing with a low, spreading form approximately 20 to 40 centimeters in diameter, it develops branching stems covered in soft, woolly hairs. Its leaves are small, measuring 1 to 3 centimeters long, and are densely covered in tomentose (woolly) indumentum. The plant forms compact, intricate clusters with tomentose branches and small involucres 4 to 6 millimeters wide.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 89 sympatric species; larger leaves and elongated flower clusters distinguish from other varieties
Habitat and range
Habitat: Common. Sand or gravel
Elevation: (100)400-2700 m
California counties: Lake, Lassen, Tehama, Trinity, Mendocino, Plumas, Siskiyou, Modoc, Sierra, Shasta, Placer, Alpine, Mono
Outside California: to northeastern Washington, western Montana, northern Nevada
Bloom period
Eriogonum strictum var. proliferum 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 strictum var. proliferum native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum strictum var. proliferum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum strictum var. proliferum bloom?
Eriogonum strictum var. proliferum blooms Jun-Sep.
Where in California does Eriogonum strictum var. proliferum grow?
Eriogonum strictum var. proliferum occurs in Lake, Lassen, Tehama, Trinity, Mendocino, Plumas, Siskiyou, Modoc and other counties, at elevations of (100)400-2700 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum strictum var. proliferum belong to?
Eriogonum strictum var. proliferum is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
What habitat does Eriogonum strictum var. proliferum grow in?
Eriogonum strictum var. proliferum grows in Common. Sand or 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.