We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Eriogonum?

Alex Tree
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 1,972
Share

Eriogonum is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Polygonaceae and is commonly referred to as wild buckwheat. This genus contains more than 250 species, including a few wildflowers that are common in North America. Some plants in this genus differ greatly in appearance, and studies indicate that new species are still occurring naturally. Many moths and butterflies use these plants as a source of food. Due to how heavily some insects rely on Erigonum for food, it is speculated that an entire family of insects may become endangered if the plant dies out.

Some species, such as Eriogonum alpinum, are rarely seen in the wild and therefore considered endangered as of 2010. For the most part, however, the genus is thriving so well in many parts of the United States, especially California, that it is considered a weed. Though considered a weed, it is not considered invasive, so there are no efforts to hinder its growth as of 2010.

While many of the plants differ wildly in appearance, some of them can be identified by a tall stem with an inflorescence lined with pink, yellow, or white flowers. These stems are around 1 foot (0.3 m) tall and covered in woolly fibers, supporting leaves around the base. Some species have stems that are rarely erect; instead, they droop or lie on the ground. Most plants belonging to the genus do not grow taller than 2 feet (60 cm), though 1.5 feet (40 cm) is far more common for an adult plant.

One species, Mount Diablo buckwheat or Eriogonum truncatum, was considered extinct, as the last recorded sighting took place in the mid-1960s. In 2005, after much searching, the plant was sighted once again. The rediscovery is credited to a University of California, Berkeley, graduate who was conducting a floristic study on Mt. Diablo before suddenly realizing he was surrounded by the supposedly extinct Mount Diablo buckwheat. There was much media coverage over this discovery, and restoration programs were in progress as of 2007. The plant was still considered critically threatened as of 2010.

In general, Eriogonum is considered an easy plant to cultivate. It adapts to varying conditions and does not require very wet soil. The plants grow very fast and have many uses, including crop rotation to improve soil and smother weeds. As of 2010, the demand for buckwheat plants in the United States, Russia, and Japan was growing. Japan primarily uses the plants as flour to make noodles, though Russian and American people often use the flour for breakfast cereals.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Alex Tree
By Alex Tree
Andrew McDowell is a talented writer and WiseGeek contributor. His unique perspective and ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible manner make him a valuable asset to the team, as he crafts content that both informs and engages readers.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Alex Tree
Alex Tree
Andrew McDowell is a talented writer and WiseGeek contributor. His unique perspective and ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible manner make him a valuable asset to the team, as he crafts content that both informs and engages readers.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-eriogonum.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.