Coastal Buckwheat
Eriogonum cinereum
Last reviewed: July 2026
Eriogonum cinereum (Coastal Buckwheat) is a drought-tolerant California native shrub that blooms white flowers from May through September, attracting bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Coastal Buckwheat (Eriogonum cinereum) 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.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Coastal buckwheat is a tidy evergreen shrub with attractive gray-green foliage and clusters of cream to pinkish flowers that bloom from spring through fall. Its compact rounded form maintains good structure year-round and provides excellent drought tolerance once established.
Growing Coastal Buckwheat
Grow Coastal Buckwheat in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Coastal Buckwheat is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- May need light pruning once yearly to maintain neat appearance
Wildlife value
This native buckwheat is a valuable pollinator plant that attracts numerous native bees, butterflies, and beneficial beetles. The seeds also provide food for birds.
Common questions
- When does Coastal Buckwheat bloom?
- Eriogonum cinereum blooms from May through September, producing clusters of small white to pinkish flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Coastal Buckwheat?
- Coastal Buckwheat attracts a diverse range of pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and beetles. The long bloom period makes it valuable for supporting pollinator populations throughout much of the growing season.
- Where is Coastal Buckwheat native?
- Eriogonum cinereum is native to California, particularly coastal areas and Channel Islands. It grows naturally in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and other dry habitats.
- Is Coastal Buckwheat toxic to dogs?
- Coastal Buckwheat is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Coastal Buckwheat toxic to cats?
- Coastal Buckwheat is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Coastal Buckwheat HOA-friendly?
- Coastal 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 Coastal 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