Saffron wild buckwheat
Eriogonum crocatum
Last reviewed: October 2026
Saffron wild buckwheat (Eriogonum crocatum) is a perennial shrub native to CA. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.
Toxicity unknown
Saffron wild buckwheat (Eriogonum crocatum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
8"–16" H × 18"–36" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A low mounding subshrub with felted silver-gray leaves and flattened clusters of bright yellow flowers held above the foliage in summer. Well suited to dry rocky sites where little else thrives.
Growing Saffron wild buckwheat
Grow Saffron wild buckwheat in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 8 to 16 inches tall and spread 18 to 36 inches wide.
Wildlife value
A significant nectar source for native bees and butterflies, including specialist buckwheat-feeding insects.
Common questions
- How much sun does Saffron wild buckwheat need?
- Saffron wild buckwheat grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Saffron wild buckwheat bloom?
- Saffron wild buckwheat blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Saffron wild buckwheat native?
- Saffron wild buckwheat (Eriogonum crocatum) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Saffron wild buckwheat attract?
- Saffron wild buckwheat draws bees and butterflies.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Saffron wild buckwheat? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.