Eriogonum grande var. rubescens, Red Buckwheat

This small, colorful, and highly ornamental buckwheat originated on California’s Channel Islands but has become a popular landscape plant throughout the state. Rosy-pink flower clusters rise above low-growing foliage on stems up to a foot tall, blooming from spring to fall. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, especially butterflies. After blooming, the seeds provide food for birds.

This plant stays in clumps, making it a good choice for small spaces, although it can get 2–3 ft wide. It does best in full sun with a small amount of supplemental summer water; it is drought tolerant once established. It appreciates decently draining soil. Combined with other drought-adapted plants, it does well in rock and pollinator gardens, along borders, and on slopes.