Coastal buckwheat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coastal buckwheat |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eriogonum
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| Species: |
cinereum
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Eriogonum cinereum is a type of wild buckwheat. People often call it coastal buckwheat or ashyleaf buckwheat. It's a special plant that grows only in certain parts of Southern California.
Where It Grows
This small shrub is found only along the coast of Southern California. You can mostly see it in Los Angeles County and Ventura County. It loves sandy beaches and coastal areas. It also grows on hillsides and lower slopes of mountains like the Santa Monica Mountains. It prefers areas with chaparral and coastal sage scrub plants, usually below 400 meters (about 1,300 feet).
What It Looks Like
Eriogonum cinereum can grow to be about 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 meters) tall and wide. Its stems and leaves are covered in soft, woolly hairs. This gives the plant a light, silvery-gray color. The leaves are oval-shaped with wavy edges. They are usually one to three centimeters long.
The plant's flowers grow in clusters called inflorescences. These stick out from the plant. Each cluster has several small, tightly-packed flowers. The flowers are often light whitish-pink to brownish-pink. They are also quite hairy.
Why It's Important
This plant is a very important food source for certain insects. For example, it's the main food for the Euphilotes bernardino, also known as the Bernardino dotted blue butterfly. Many types of buckwheats are crucial for different butterflies and native wasps. They provide food and a place for these insects to live.
Growing This Plant
Eriogonum cinereum is also grown by people in gardens. It's a popular ornamental plant because it's native to California. It's also great for drought tolerant gardens, meaning it doesn't need much water. People use it in butterfly gardens and other wildlife gardens. It helps attract and support local wildlife. This plant is also used in bigger projects to restore natural areas.
