How much sun does Shortstem Buckwheat need?

Shortstem Buckwheat grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Shortstem Buckwheat bloom?

Shortstem Buckwheat blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Shortstem Buckwheat native?

Shortstem Buckwheat (Eriogonum brevicaule) is native to CO, ID, MT, NE and 4 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Shortstem Buckwheat attract?

Shortstem Buckwheat draws bees and beetles.

Is Shortstem Buckwheat HOA-friendly?

Shortstem Buckwheat takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Shortstem Buckwheat

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Eriogonum brevicaule

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Shortstem Buckwheat (Eriogonum brevicaule) 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

2"–8" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CO, ID, MT, NE and 4 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and Range Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Southern Rockies High Plains Northwestern Great Plains

Shortstem buckwheat is a compact, low-growing perennial that forms dense mats close to the ground. It produces clusters of small white to pink flowers from June through August above silvery-green foliage. This drought-tolerant plant requires minimal care once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Shortstem Buckwheat takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Extremely low growth may appear unkempt to traditional standards
Mat-forming habit can look sparse or patchy
May be perceived as weedy rather than ornamental

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract native bees and beetles, providing nectar during the hot months when few other plants are flowering. Its low growth habit makes it valuable ground cover while supporting pollinators.

Common questions

How much sun does Shortstem Buckwheat need?: Shortstem Buckwheat grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Shortstem Buckwheat bloom?: Shortstem Buckwheat blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Shortstem Buckwheat native?: Shortstem Buckwheat (Eriogonum brevicaule) is native to CO, ID, MT, NE and 4 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Shortstem Buckwheat attract?: Shortstem Buckwheat draws bees and beetles.
Is Shortstem Buckwheat HOA-friendly?: Shortstem Buckwheat takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Shortstem Buckwheat? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz