Eriogonum kennedyi, commonly known as Kennedy’s buckwheat, is a perennial herb native to the chaparral, alpine, and subalpine habitats of California, specifically within the Transverse Ranges, Sierra Nevada foothills, and the high Sierra Nevada and western Great Basin. It typically forms small cushion-like mats up to 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter, with oval leaves that are densely coated in woolly fibers, providing a unique texture in the garden. The plant produces an erect scape that can reach up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall, bearing clusters of white to pink flowers with darker midribs, which bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are particularly showy and attract pollinators.

Kennedy’s buckwheat is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens, xeriscaping, and restoration projects. It is also appreciated for its ornamental flowers and foliage, as well as its role as a food plant for specific butterfly species, including Bauer’s dotted blue and Ord Mountain metalmark. In cultivation, it requires minimal water once established, well-drained soils, and full sun to part shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. There are no major disease issues, but gardeners should be cautious of overwatering and ensure proper site selection with adequate drainage.CC BY-SA 4.0