Wright’s Buckwheat
(Eriogonum wrightii var. subscaposum)
Wright’s Buckwheat (Eriogonum wrightii var. subscaposum)
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Jim Morefield
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Jim Morefield
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jim Morefield | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0 | Uploader: Ser Amantio di Nicolao | Publisher: Wikipedia Commons












Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements
• Precipitation | 5" - 59" |
• High Temp. | 64°F - 104°F |
• Low Temp. | 8°F - 38°F |
Summary
Eriogonum wrightii var. subscaposum, commonly known as Wright’s Buckwheat, is a perennial herb native to California and Nevada, particularly found in desert mountains and chaparral environments. It thrives on dry, rocky hillsides and slopes, often in calcareous (limestone-based) soils. This species exhibits a moderate growth rate and typically reaches a height and width of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters), forming a compact, rounded shape. Wright’s Buckwheat is notable for its dense clusters of white to pink flowers that bloom in the summer and fall, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
The plant is valued for its drought tolerance and showy flowers, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and native plant landscapes. It requires minimal maintenance once established and can thrive with low water input, reflecting its adaptation to arid conditions. Wright’s Buckwheat prefers full sun exposure and well-drained sandy or loamy soils. While it is generally disease-resistant, overwatering can lead to root rot. It is also important to note that this plant is not aggressive and does not pose a threat of invasiveness when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
The plant is valued for its drought tolerance and showy flowers, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and native plant landscapes. It requires minimal maintenance once established and can thrive with low water input, reflecting its adaptation to arid conditions. Wright’s Buckwheat prefers full sun exposure and well-drained sandy or loamy soils. While it is generally disease-resistant, overwatering can lead to root rot. It is also important to note that this plant is not aggressive and does not pose a threat of invasiveness when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Herb
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, White
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
native to California and Nevada, particularly found in desert mountains and chaparral environments
Other Names
Common Names: Wright’s Buckwheat, Short-Stem Bastard-Sage
Scientific Names: Eriogonum wrightii var. subscaposum, Eriogonum curvatum, Eriogonum junceum, Eriogonum kennedyi subsp. pinorum, Eriogonum trachygonum subsp. subscaposum, Eriogonum trachygonum var. subscaposum, Eriogonum wrightii subsp. subscaposum, Eriogonum wrightii var. curvatum
GBIF Accepted Name: Eriogonum wrightii var. subscaposum