Eastern Mojave Buckwheat

Scientific Name: Eriogonum fasciculatum Benth.

Eastern Mojave Buckwheat

General Information
Usda Symbol	ERFA2
Group	Dicot
Life Cycle	Perennial
Growth Habits	ShrubSubshrub,
Native Locations	ERFA2

Plant Guide

Common Names

Eastern Mojave buckwheat, wild buckwheat, buckwheat, flat-top buckwheat

Uses

California buckwheat has shown excellent performance as a conservation plant on critical areas and problem soils, such as Serpentine, decomposed granites, and high pH soils. Its showy white flowers also make it ideal for environmental enhancement uses. Due to its long flowering period, California buckwheat is also an excellent insectory plant that provides nectar sources for beneficial insects when planted next to crops as part of an (IPM) Integrated Pest Management program. Ethnobotanic Uses: The Cahuilla drank leaf tea for headache and stomach pain. Hot root tea drunk for colds and laryngitis. Root poultice was applied to wounds. A tea of dried flowers or dried roots was taken to prevent heart problems. Studies have identified leucoanthocyanidins beneficial to the heart in other Eriogonum species.

Status

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s current status (e,g, threatened or endangered species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values), Use soil moisture sensors to measure the soil moisture of Eastern Mojave Buckwheat.,

Weediness

This plant may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed. Please consult with your local NRCS Field Office, Cooperative Extension Service office, or state natural resource or agriculture department regarding its status and use. Weed information is also available from the PLANTS Web site. © Gary A. Monroe. 2003.

Description

General: California buckwheat is a native evergreen shrub about 12 to 39 inches high and 28 to 51 inches wide. Branches are numerous, slender and flexible. Leaves are egg-shaped, 1.5 to 3.8 inches long and less than half an inch wide, smooth or fuzzy above and fuzzy beneath. Flowers are white or pink. Flowering period is from May through October. Seeds are light brown, angled and very small.

Distribution

California buckwheat grows naturally on dry slopes and canyons near the coast from San Diego County north to Marin County. It is also found in Utah, Arizona and northwestern Mexico.

Habitat

Dry slopes, washes and canyons in scrub.

Adaptation

California buckwheat can be used as a conservation plant on critically eroded areas and for environmental enhancement on sandy to clay loam, moderately to well-drained soils. This species occurs abundantly in southern California but is also adapted to parts of California within the Mediterranean climate up to 2700 feet elevation where the mean annual precipitation ranges from 7-20 inches.

Establishment

California buckwheat is a good seed producer. Seed matures in the early fall. Annual production is about 300 pounds per acre. The seed dries on the plant, which allows some leeway in harvesting. Fruits can be stripped to dry clusters and then cleaned by machine. Without the calyx removed from the seed, there are about 334,000 seeds per pound. Seed germination is about 25 percent. Plants can be propagated by seeding directly into containers in the greenhouse. Plants grow rapidly and should be moved into larger containers or the field as growth progresses. California buckwheat also can be seeded directly into the field. Seeding rates are 9 pounds per acre drilled and 14 pounds per acre broadcast.

Management

On wildfire burned areas, use 1-2 pounds per acre as part of a mixture. Seed germination is quite variable, so buying good quality seed is important. If germination is less than 25 percent, double the seeding rate. Homeowners may need to buy this seed directly from specialty seed suppliers. Use 4 to 8 ounces of seed for a 10,000 square foot area. When using container plants, set plants three feet apart.

Pests and Potential Problems

No known pest problems. California buckwheat provides an excellent insectaries habitat which primarily supports beneficial insects. Before placing it next to a crop, check with local IPM Integrated Pest Management specialists to ensure that it is compatible with targeted insect populations.

Seeds and Plant Production

Plant Production

Plant Production

California buckwheat produces about 145kg/ha (300 lbs/ac) of seed. Achenes with calyx attached are handled as seed. The calyx can be separated by rubbing the achenes through a number 6 screen. Without the calyx removed there are about 735,000 seeds per kilogram (334,000 seeds/lb.). Seed germination is approximately 25 percent. Plants are propagated by seeding directly into containers in the greenhouse. Seedlings in the early stages of growth are somewhat susceptible to “damp-off” and quite sensitive to cold. Only “hardened” material should be used in plantings. Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) ‘Duro’ (CA) - is a blend of six accessions of California buckwheat. In 1964, seed was collected from six native stands in Kern, San Luis Obispo, and Modoc counties. Container plants of these accessions were planted together in three rows at the Pleasanton PMC and all subsequent plantings of ‘Duro’ were made with blended seed collected from these rows. ‘Duro’ California buckwheat was performed better than most other native California shrubs in both container plantings and direct seedlings on critically eroded areas.

Control

Please contact your local agricultural extension specialist or county weed specialist to learn what works best in your area and how to use it safely. Always read label and safety instructions for each control method. Trade names and control measures appear in this document only to provide specific information. USDA NRCS does not guarantee or warranty the products and control methods named, and other products may be equally effective.

Plant Traits

Growth Requirements

Morphology/Physiology

Reproduction

Suitability/Use

Eastern Mojave Buckwheat

Eastern Mojave Buckwheat

Eastern Mojave Buckwheat