Eriogonum cinereum ~ Ashy Leaf Buckwheat, Coastal Buckwheat

Eriogonum cinereum is a low spreading shrub native to the near coastal chaparral and bluffs of Southern California and into the desert. The gray leaves contrast excellently with the long lasting pink blooms and later with the cinnamon brown of the fading seed heads. It could be a near total commitment to keep the Ashy Leaf Buckwheat. Eriogonum cinereum will grow 2-3 feet tall, including the flowers, and somewhat wider. The Ashyleaf Buckwheat is widely tolerant of soil type, wild plants can be found in heavy soils as well as hanging onto a gap in the rocks on a cliff face. As with all buckwheat's the Coastal Buckwheat is a great butterfly nectar source. Plants are hardy to 15 degrees or below. Eriogonum cinereum is a great addition to the butterfly garden where it is a nectar source for the Gray Hairstreak, the Common Buckeye and the Mournful Duskywing. Eriogonum cinereum is a host plant for the Western Tussock Moth Caterpillar.