Snow Buckwheat
Eriogonum niveum
Last reviewed: September 2026
Snow Buckwheat (Eriogonum niveum) is a perennial forb native to ID, OR, WA. It blooms in June, July, and August. The flowers draw bees and butterflies. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
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 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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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.
Growing Snow Buckwheat
Grow Snow Buckwheat in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 18 inches tall and spread 8 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
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 Snow Buckwheat? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.