Eriogonum latifolium, Coast Buckwheat

Coast Buckwheat, also known as Seaside Buckwheat, naturally grows on coastal bluffs and slopes, where it receives full sun and all of its water from fog and rainfall. It has oval, wooly white-green leaves with small, pink and white flowers in round clusters at the ends of long, woolly stems. The flowers fade to an attractive copper color in the fall. The foliage is usually about a foot or two across.

In the garden, plant Coast Buckwheat on rocky slopes, in crevices, or sunny rock walls. When planted in its natural range, it will not need additional summer water after its first year. Provide part shade and some supplemental water when planted away from the immediate coast.

Coast Buckwheat is an essential for a coastal garden, and supports many pollinators and is an important food source for butterflies and moths. Allowing the flower stalks to remain through winter provides seeds for hungry birds.