Family: Polygonaceae
Author: Nutt.
Bibliography: Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc., n.s., 5: 164 (1835)
Year: 1835
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Eriogonum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Montana to C. U.S.A. and Mexico (Chihuahua)
Description
The Annual Wild Buckwheat, scientifically known as Eriogonum annuum, is a notable species within the Polygonaceae family. This plant was first described by the renowned botanist Thomas Nuttall in 1835, as documented in the Transactions of the American Philosophical Society.
Eriogonum annuum thrives across a wide geographical range extending from Montana through the central United States and reaches as far south as Chihuahua, Mexico. This extensive distribution highlights the plant’s adaptability to diverse environmental conditions found across these regions.
Being an annual herb, the lifecycle of the Annual Wild Buckwheat completes within a single growing season. This plant is often recognized for its distinctive inflorescence and its role in the ecosystem, providing a source of nectar for various pollinators. The foliage and blooms contribute to the aesthetic value of the habitats it occupies, and it can frequently be seen in fields, prairies, and other open, sunlit areas.
In the context of botanical studies and ecological research, Eriogonum annuum is often examined for its adaptive traits and interactions with local wildlife. Its presence signifies healthy ecological networks, as it supports pollinators and other species within its habitat. The study of this plant, therefore, not only aids in understanding biodiversity but also in the potential implications of environmental changes on species distribution and survival.
Annual Wild Buckwheat’s robust ability to grow in varied soil types, along with its resilience to different climatic conditions, makes it a fascinating subject for botanists and ecologists alike. Researchers continue to study its biological and ecological characteristics to gain insights into plant adaptation strategies and the conservation of native flora within its growing regions.
Overall, Eriogonum annuum is more than just a plant; it plays a crucial role in its native ecosystems, offering ecological benefits and serving as a testament to the diverse botanical life found in North America.
Common Names
Eng: annual buckwheat, annual eriogonum, annual wild buckwheat, annual wildbuckwheat, umbrella plant, wild buckwheat
En: Annual wild buckwheat, Annual buckwheat, ANNUAL ERIOGONUM, ANNUAL WILDBUCKWHEAT, Umbrella plant, Wild buckwheat
Synonyms
- Eriogonum annuum subsp. hitchcockii ((Gand.) S.Stokes)
- Eriogonum hitchcockii (Gand.)
- Eriogonum annuum var. cymosum ((Benth.) S.Stokes)
- Eriogonum cymosum (Benth.)
- Eriogonum lindheimerianum (Scheele)
- Eriogonum annuum subsp. chihuahuaense (S.Stokes)
- Eriogonum annuum subsp. typicum (S.Stokes)
Distribution
- Colorado (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Texas (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Aug 7, 2021 by Kristin Lukow (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 6, 2019 by T Trista (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 6, 2019 by T Trista (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 6, 2019 by T Trista (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Wagner, W.L. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 19, 2021 by Cade Lillquist (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 14, 2020 by Johnny Johnny Burgess (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Niehaus, T.F. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Wagner, W.L. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 7, 2015 by EOL − ellen hildebrandt (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2889698)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:329760-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Eriogonum annuum Nutt.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
