White Buckwheat
eriogonum heracleoides
Also known as: ["Western White Buckwheat","Wild Buckwheat"]
Overview
A perennial wildflower native to western North America, known for its clusters of small white flowers and low-growing habit.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Polygonaceae |
| Genus: | Eriogonum |
| Botanical Name: | Eriogonum heracleoides |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, dry slopes, or open meadows
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–18–38°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining; poor drainage can lead to root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter; mimics its native arid conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove up to one-third of old stems if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy with insufficient light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight if moved from shade; protect from harsh midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun is essential; avoid deep shade; rotate plants for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with sand or perlite if needed.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); thrives in cooler climates and can tolerate frost.
Protect from extreme heat; mulch in winter; adjust watering by season.
Fertilizing
rarely required, if used then every 3 months with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize only once a year in spring; use a low-nitrogen formula; avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of clumps; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep humid and warm.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid, and bright but indirect light; protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus/succulent potting soil.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–6 weeks; establish in new pots within 3–4 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic bags or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems back to just above a leaf node or bud; remove dead or crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or damaged stems; minimal pruning is needed for this species.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution (e.g., rubbing alcohol), gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune before new growth; remove dead/damaged stems; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); avoid excessive pot size increase.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container; not frequently needed due to slow growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until the soil is moist but not waterlogged; ensure water penetrates deeply to reach the root system; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 3–4 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; browning leaf edges or dieback in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth but do not typically harm the plant; prolonged freezing may damage above-ground parts but the root system is resilient.
Solution: Provide winter mulch to insulate roots; avoid overwatering in cold weather to prevent root rot; protect from extreme wind chill.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; may go dormant in extreme heat if watered improperly.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; water deeply and infrequently to maintain root health; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid over-fertilization; water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers; fertilize sparingly, as Eriogonum heracleoides is not heavy feeder.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicEriogonum heracleoides is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects following ingestion by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicEriogonum heracleoides is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects following ingestion by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicEriogonum heracleoides is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans. It has not been documented to cause adverse physiological impacts when ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Eriogonum heracleoides toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How much water does this plant require?
A: It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering once established.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Polygonaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
