How much sun does Snow Buckwheat need?

Snow Buckwheat grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Snow Buckwheat bloom?

Snow Buckwheat blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Snow Buckwheat native?

Snow Buckwheat (Eriogonum niveum) is native to ID, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Snow Buckwheat toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Snow Buckwheat as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Snow Buckwheat attract?

Snow Buckwheat draws bees and butterflies.

Is Snow Buckwheat HOA-friendly?

Snow Buckwheat is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Snow Buckwheat

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Eriogonum niveum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Snow Buckwheat (Eriogonum niveum) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Snow Buckwheat as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–18" H × 8"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

ID, OR, WA

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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 445 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

Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts

Snow buckwheat forms compact mounds of silvery-gray foliage topped with clusters of small white flowers that age to pink or rust colors. This drought-tolerant native thrives in sunny locations and requires minimal water once established. The flowers bloom from June through August, providing long-lasting color in dry garden areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Snow Buckwheat is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Flowers fade to brown and may look spent by late summer

Wildlife value

The nectar-rich flowers attract native bees and butterflies throughout the summer blooming period. Seeds provide food for small birds and the plant serves as host material for some butterfly species.

Common questions

How much sun does Snow Buckwheat need?: Snow Buckwheat grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Snow Buckwheat bloom?: Snow Buckwheat blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Snow Buckwheat native?: Snow Buckwheat (Eriogonum niveum) is native to ID, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Snow Buckwheat toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Snow Buckwheat as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Snow Buckwheat attract?: Snow Buckwheat draws bees and butterflies.
Is Snow Buckwheat HOA-friendly?: Snow Buckwheat is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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.

Ready to grow Snow 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

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