Eriogonum umbellatum * Sulphur Buckwheat

Eriogonum umbellatum is a low spreading shrub. The color of the leaves varies from green to silver, regardless of variety the leaves contrast excellently with the sulfur yellow flowers and later with the cinnamon brown of the fading seed heads. Eriogonum umbellatum will grow to a foot or so tall and up to two feet wide. Sulphur Buckwheat plants will tolerate heavy soils if there is a slope and if there is a drying period between watering cycles. Eriogonum umbellatum is native to much of the mountainous Western United States, this species can be found up to 12,000 feet elevation. Eriogonum umbellatum is a great addition to the butterfly garden where it is a nectar source for the Acmon Blue, California Common Ringlet, Mormon Metalmark, Gray Hairstreak, the Common Buckeye, the Umber Skipper Butterfly, Northern White Skipper, Great Purple Hairstreak, Mountain Mahogany Hairstreak, Hedgerow Hairstreak, and the Mournful Duskywing. Plants are hardy below temperatures likely to be found in California. Eriogonum umbellatum is a host plant for the Western Tussock Moth Caterpillar.