Flattop Buckwheat

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 1-3 feet
Spread: 2-4 feet
Flower Color: white to pink
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Description:

Flattop Buckwheat, scientifically known as Eriogonum fasciculatum, is a versatile and resilient perennial shrub native to the southwestern United States, particularly California, and parts of Mexico. This drought-tolerant plant is a member of the Polygonaceae family and is valued for its hardiness, ease of care, and ecological benefits, particularly its ability to attract a wide range of pollinators.

Growing to about 1 to 3 feet tall and spreading 2 to 4 feet wide, Flattop Buckwheat forms a compact, rounded mound of green foliage that can have a grayish tinge, adding texture and contrast to garden landscapes. The leaves are small, narrow, and often clustered, with a leathery texture. From late spring to fall, it produces flat-topped clusters of tiny flowers that can range in color from white to pink, creating a delicate, frothy appearance that attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Adapted to full sun, Eriogonum fasciculatum thrives in well-draining soil and is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping, native plant gardens, and water-wise landscaping. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including poor soils, as long as they are well-drained.

In landscaping, Flattop Buckwheat is often used as a ground cover, in rock gardens, or as part of a native plant border. Its compact size and attractive flowering make it suitable for small gardens, and it can also be used in mass plantings to create a sea of color. Additionally, its value as a nectar source for pollinators makes it an essential plant for wildlife gardens and habitat restoration projects.

Overall, Flattop Buckwheat is a low-maintenance and ecologically beneficial shrub, ideal for gardeners looking to add long-lasting color, texture, and biodiversity to their outdoor spaces. Its drought tolerance, ease of care, and attractiveness to wildlife make it a favored choice for a variety of landscaping projects, especially those focused on sustainability and native plant use.