Eriogonum crosbyae, commonly known as Crosby’s buckwheat, is a perennial herb that is endemic to the high desert regions of Oregon, Nevada, and Idaho, particularly thriving at elevations between 4,000 and 8,200 feet. This species was named after botanist Virginia Crosby, who discovered it in the Guano Valley. Crosby’s buckwheat typically forms dense mats of stems from a branching caudex, with distinctive woolly leaves that can grow up to 1.2 inches long. During its flowering season, which occurs in the summer, it produces headlike clusters of yellow or cream flowers that are attractive to a variety of pollinators.

Crosby’s buckwheat is valued for its unique appearance and its ability to thrive in harsh, arid environments, making it a potential candidate for rock gardens and xeriscaping. It is well-suited to cultivation in areas with similar conditions to its native habitat, requiring minimal water once established, and preferring well-drained soils such as tuff or tuffaceous sandstone. While not commonly found in cultivation, it can serve as a conversation piece due to its rarity and conservation status. Gardeners should be aware that this plant may be difficult to find in nurseries due to its specialized habitat and the threats it faces in the wild, including habitat destruction from mining activities.CC BY-SA 4.0