sulfur buckwheat
ExplorePlants
sulfur buckwheat
Eriogonum umbellatum
Sulfur buckwheat is a bright yellow flower that grows in rocky places. It loves sunny spots and can be found in dry areas, making it a special plant in nature.
Habitat: Mountain regions
Appearance
The sulfur buckwheat is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial with clusters of vibrant sulfur-yellow flowers. Its leaves are typically green on top and fuzzy white underneath, often creating a striking two-toned appearance. Flower clusters gradually deepen to an orange or reddish hue as they age.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyPolygonaceaeGenusEriogonum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Native peoples once ground its tiny seeds into flour for food!
This tough plant can grow even high up on mountains where few others survive!
Though called buckwheat, it's a wild cousin, not the kind used for pancakes!
Wow, its bright yellow flowers sometimes turn fiery orange or red with age!
Special abilities
Ability
Drought Master
Sulfur buckwheat can thrive in extremely dry conditions thanks to its deep taproot system, reaching water deep underground.
Ability
Color Changer
Sulfur buckwheat has flowers that can change from bright yellow to orange or reddish as they mature, adding a splash of color.
Ability
Soil Anchor
Sulfur buckwheat has an extensive root system that helps it stabilize loose soil on slopes, preventing erosion.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-40 cm
- Spread
- 30-90 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.2-0.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to fall
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
visits flowers for nectar and pollen
pollinates
Black-tailed Bumblebee
Bombus melanopygus
collects nectar and pollen from its abundant flowers
eaten by
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
browses on its leaves and stems in dry habitats
pollinates
Great Spangled Fritillary
Speyeria cybele
sips nectar from its yellow blossoms
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Cluster Flower
Cluster flowers are inflorescences where individual flowers are arranged closely together on a common stem.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Mountain
This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch wild plants, as some can be prickly or not safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is sulfur buckwheat?
10-40 cm
How wide does sulfur buckwheat spread?
30-90 cm
How big are the flowers on sulfur buckwheat?
0.2-0.5 cm
When does sulfur buckwheat bloom?
Late spring to fall
Is sulfur buckwheat edible?
Yes
Is sulfur buckwheat toxic?
None
What is sulfur buckwheat's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is sulfur buckwheat pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
Park19 sightings9 species
Wyoming, US
John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway
You might spot Lodgepole Pine, Flowery Phlox, and Moose.
View guide →
Park2 sightings2 species
British Columbia, CA
Akamina-Kishinena Provincial Park
You might spot Common Beargrass and Subalpine Larch.
View guide →
Park21 sightings2 species
California, US
Shady Rest Park
You might spot Jeffrey Pine and Pandora Pinemoth.
View guide →
