Eriogonum viridescens
Two-toothed wild buckwheat, Two-Toothed Wild Buckwheat
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Polygonaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Eriogonum viridescens (Two-toothed wild buckwheat) is a native California herb in the Polygonaceae family, recognized by glandular inflorescence and inflated petals.
Two-toothed wild buckwheat is a California native annual found in the San Joaquin Valley, southern Coast Ranges, Transverse Ranges, and western Mojave Desert in sandy, gravelly, or clay habitats at elevations of 100 to 1,700 meters. Flowering from April to November, this plant produces delicate white to rose-colored flowers in small clusters with thread-like spreading branches. Growing 5 to 20 centimeters tall with tomentose stems, it develops both basal and stem leaves covered in soft hairs. Its leaves are 2 to 3 centimeters long, varying from hairy to nearly smooth, with a soft texture that helps distinguish it in its arid habitats. The tiny involucres are 2 to 3 millimeters wide, with glandular surfaces that add to the plant's subtle botanical complexity.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 105 sympatric species; distinguished by glandular inflorescence and inflated petals
Habitat and range
Habitat: Locally common. Sand, gravel or clay
Elevation: 100-1700 m
California counties: Kern, San Bernardino, Monterey, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Inyo, Los Angeles, Fresno, Ventura, Riverside, Kings, Merced, San Benito, Alameda
Bloom period
Eriogonum viridescens blooms Apr-Nov.
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 viridescens native to California?
Yes. Eriogonum viridescens is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eriogonum viridescens bloom?
Eriogonum viridescens blooms Apr-Nov.
Where in California does Eriogonum viridescens grow?
Eriogonum viridescens occurs in Kern, San Bernardino, Monterey, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Inyo, Los Angeles, Fresno and other counties, at elevations of 100-1700 m.
What plant family does Eriogonum viridescens belong to?
Eriogonum viridescens is in the Polygonaceae family, genus Eriogonum.
What habitat does Eriogonum viridescens grow in?
Eriogonum viridescens grows in Locally common. Sand, gravel or clay.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Eriogonum wrightii — Bastard-sage
- Eriogonum wrightii var. membranaceum — Ringed-stem bastard-sage
- Eriogonum wrightii var. nodosum — Knot-stem bastard-sage
- Eriogonum wrightii var. olanchense — Olancha peak buckwheat
- Eriogonum wrightii var. subscaposum — Short-stemmed bastard-sage
- Eriogonum wrightii var. trachygonum — Rough-node bastard-sage
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.