Gilman's buckwheat facts for kids

Gilman's buckwheat (scientific name: Eriogonum gilmanii) is a special type of wild buckwheat plant. This plant is endemic, which means it's only found in a specific area. For Gilman's buckwheat, that area is Inyo County, California. You can find it growing on the dry, rocky mountain slopes of the Cottonwood, Last Chance, and Panamint Ranges.

About Gilman's Buckwheat

Gilman's buckwheat is a low-growing plant that spreads out like a mat. It's a perennial herb, meaning it lives for many years, not just one season. These plants usually grow in patches that are less than 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) wide. They prefer to grow in rocky soils.

What It Looks Like

This plant has tiny, thick leaves. Each leaf is less than half a centimeter wide. They are covered in a dense, white, fuzzy layer, almost like they're wearing a woolly coat!

When it blooms, Gilman's buckwheat produces bright, upright clusters of small, puffy flowers. Each flower is only a few millimeters wide. They can be yellowish or orange and often have cool red stripes.