Eriogonum alatum facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eriogonum alatum
On Cedar Mesa in Grand Gulch Primitive Area, southwestern Utah
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Polygonaceae
Genus:	Eriogonum
Species:	E. alatum
Binomial name
Eriogonum alatum Torr.
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Eriogonum alatum, often called winged buckwheat or winged eriogonum, is a type of buckwheat plant. It's a fascinating plant found in parts of North America.

What is Winged Buckwheat?

Winged buckwheat is a special plant. Its scientific name is Eriogonum alatum. People often call it "winged buckwheat" because of how it looks. It belongs to a group of plants called buckwheats.

Where Does Winged Buckwheat Grow?

This plant is native to several areas. You can find it in the western Great Plains region. It also grows in the Southwestern United States. This includes states like Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Winged buckwheat also grows in Chihuahua state in México.

Different Kinds of Winged Buckwheat

Just like there are different types of apples, there can be different types of the same plant species. These are called varieties. For winged buckwheat, there are two main varieties:

• Eriogonum alatum var. alatum
• Eriogonum alatum var. glabriusculum

How People Have Used This Plant

For many years, people have used plants for different purposes. The Zuni people, a Native American tribe, have traditionally used the winged buckwheat plant.

They would use the root of the plant. If someone had a stomachache, they might eat the root. It was believed to help them feel better. An infusion (like a tea) made from the powdered root was also used. This was taken after a fall or to help relieve general feelings of discomfort.