Redflower buckwheat facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Redflower buckwheat
var. rubescens
Scientific classification
Genus:	Eriogonum
Species:	grande

Eriogonum grande is a type of wild buckwheat plant. It is often called redflower buckwheat because of its pretty flowers. This plant naturally grows in northwestern Baja California and on the Channel Islands of California.

Redflower buckwheat grows low to the ground, forming a mat. It is a perennial herb, which means it lives for many years. The plant sends up tall, strong flower stalks that hold clusters of white, pink, or red flowers. Its leaves are mostly found at the bottom of the plant. They have wavy edges and can grow up to 10 centimeters long.

Different Kinds of Redflower Buckwheat

There are three main types, or varieties, of Eriogonum grande. Each one has slightly different features or grows in different places.

E. g. var. grande

This variety is known as Pacific Island wild buckwheat or redflower buckwheat. You can find it growing on several of the California Channel Islands.

E. g. var. rubescens

This type is called San Miguel Island buckwheat or red-flowered Pacific Island wild buckwheat. It grows on the northern Channel Islands. The image at the top of this page shows this variety.

E. g. var. timorum

This variety is known as San Nicolas Island buckwheat. It is quite rare and is only found on San Nicolas Island. When a plant or animal is found only in one specific place, we say it is endemic to that area.