Eriogonum twisselmannii
Twisselmann's buckwheat
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Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Eriogonum twisselmannii (Twisselmann's buckwheat) is a native California subshrub in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by distinctive bracts near middle of stems and head-like inflorescence.
Twisselmann's buckwheat is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in southern Sierra Nevada Mountains near The Needles, Slate Mountain, and Tulare County on rocky terrain at elevations of 2,300 to 2,600 meters. Flowering from June to September, this plant produces pale yellow flowers in compact head-like clusters 0.7 to 1.5 centimeters wide. Growing as a low-spreading mat 3 to 4 meters in diameter with tomentose stems 5 to 12 centimeters tall, it forms a dense ground-hugging formation. Its basal leaves are small and woolly, with blades 5 to 10 millimeters long and 2 to 6 millimeters wide, covered in soft tomentose hair on both surfaces. The fruit is 5 to 5.5 millimeters long, with a sparsely hairy tip.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 67 sympatric species; distinctive bracts near middle of stems and head-like inflorescence
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocks
Elevation: 2300-2600 m
Bloom period
Eriogonum twisselmannii blooms Jun-Sep.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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 twisselmannii native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum twisselmannii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum twisselmannii bloom?
Eriogonum twisselmannii blooms Jun-Sep.
What plant family does Eriogonum twisselmannii belong to?
Eriogonum twisselmannii is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
Is Eriogonum twisselmannii rare or endangered?
Eriogonum twisselmannii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Eriogonum twisselmannii grow in?
Eriogonum twisselmannii grows in Rocks.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Eriogonum umbellatum — Sulphur flower
- Eriogonum umbellatum var. ahartii — Ahart's buckwheat
- Eriogonum umbellatum var. argus — One-eyed sulphur flower
- Eriogonum umbellatum var. bahiiforme — Bay buckwheat
- Eriogonum umbellatum var. canifolium — Sherman pass sulphur flower
- Eriogonum umbellatum var. chlorothamnus — Sherwin grade sulphur flower
Sources: Jepson eFlora · 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.