Species · GBIF taxon 2889500
Seaside Buckwheat
Eriogonum latifoliumAlso known as Coast Buckwheat, Broadleaf Wild Buckwheat
Seaside buckwheat forms low, sprawling mounds of woolly, gray-green leaves that hug the wind-swept bluffs of the Pacific coast. From late spring through autumn, sturdy stalks support dense, spherical clusters of tiny white-to-pink flowers that turn a rich rust-brown as they dry. These resilient plants anchor fragile coastal dunes and serve as a vital lifeline for native pollinators facing harsh maritime conditions.
CoastalDrought-TolerantButterfly Host
1 / 7- diet
- Photosynthetic (Autotrophic)
- family
- Polygonaceae
- threats
- Coastal development, invasive beach grasses, and heavy foot traffic
- life Span
- Perennial (typically 5 to 10 years)
LC
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Look for butterflies: Check the rounded flower heads during sunny afternoons to spot rare native butterflies.
- Avoid trampling: Stay on designated coastal trails to protect the fragile dune soils where these plants root.
- Observe the leaves: Touch the undersides of the leaves gently to feel the dense, woolly hairs that prevent water loss.