California Wild Buckwheat
Eriogonum fasciculatum
Last reviewed: July 2026
California Wild Buckwheat is a drought-tolerant native shrub found across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah. This evergreen plant blooms from May through September with clusters of small white to pinkish flowers.
California Wild Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag California Wild Buckwheat as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–48" H × 24"–72" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA, NV, UT
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
A hardy native shrub with clusters of white to pink flowers that age to a rusty brown. It forms a rounded mound of narrow gray-green leaves and produces abundant blooms from spring through fall.
Growing California Wild Buckwheat
Grow California Wild Buckwheat in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 24 to 72 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
California Wild Buckwheat is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone.
- Rusty brown seed heads persist after blooming
- Can appear leggy or sparse in poor conditions
- May look too informal for traditional landscape preferences
Wildlife value
Host plant for Mormon metalmark, Acmon blue.
Extremely valuable to native wildlife, supporting over 30 butterfly species including endangered butterflies, plus numerous bee species, moths, and beneficial insects.
Common questions
- When does California Wild Buckwheat bloom?
- Eriogonum fasciculatum typically blooms from May through September, producing small white to pinkish flowers in dense clusters.
- What pollinators visit California Wild Buckwheat?
- This native shrub attracts a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and moths throughout its extended bloom period.
- Where is California Wild Buckwheat native?
- Eriogonum fasciculatum is native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah.
- How much water does California Wild Buckwheat need?
- This drought-tolerant native shrub requires minimal water once established and thrives in low-water garden conditions.
- Is California Wild Buckwheat toxic to dogs?
- California Wild Buckwheat is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is California Wild Buckwheat toxic to cats?
- California Wild Buckwheat is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is California Wild Buckwheat toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag California Wild Buckwheat as toxic to livestock.
- Is California Wild Buckwheat HOA-friendly?
- California Wild Buckwheat is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow California Wild Buckwheat? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz