Link - Eriogonum cinerium

1. Ashy-leaf Buckwheat – Eriogonum cinereum (air-ee-OG-oh-num sin-AIR-ee-um)
Family: Polygonaceae (Buckwheat Family)
Native to: Coastal CA from Santa Barbara to San Pedro, including Channel Islands; bluffs & dunes along
the coast & on slopes & ridges a bit further inland.
Growth characteristics: perennial sub-shrub mature height: 3-5 ft. mature width: 3-6 ft.
Spreading semi-evergreen shrub or sub-shrub (woody & herbaceous). Plants is many-branched, with
gray-green to white foliage. Leaves are 1-2 inches long, hairy beneath, with undulating edges.
Blooms/fruits: Usually blooms June to Oct. in our area, but may bloom earlier or later. Clusters of light
pink flowers on elongated flowering stems. Very showy and long-blooming. Fruits are dry capsules –
showy brown in fall.
Uses in the garden: Often used as a specimen plant because of its attractive gray-green foliage and
showy blooms. Excellent ground cover, particularly along the coast. Fine on slopes. Excellent habitat
plant. Would do fine in planters and large pots. Should be used more, particularly in sandy coastal
gardens.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native gray-foliage shrubs.
Attracts: Excellent habitat plant: provides nectar and pollen for native pollinators including bees,
butterflies and others. Also provides cover and seeds for bird and small animal food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun best on coast; some shade in hottest gardens
Soil Any, from sandy to clay, as long as it is well drained; any local pH
Water Very drought tolerant once established. Looks best will occasional summer water,
but let soil dry out between waterings.
Fertilizer None required
Other Tolerates seaside conditions, alkali and moderately salty soils
Management: Easy to grow in well-drained soils. Can be cut back to 6-8 inches from ground every few
years to keep it bushy.
Propagation: from seed: no treatment required by cuttings: probably, semi-softwood in spring
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 24 7/3/13
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2. Eriogonum cinereum
Ashyleaf buckwheat