Naked buckwheat (Eriogonum nudum, Trans. Linn. Soc. London 17: 413 (1836))

Family: Polygonaceae

Author: Douglas ex Benth.

Bibliography: Trans. Linn. Soc. London 17: 413 (1836)

Year: 1836

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Eriogonum

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. U.S.A. to NW. Mexico

Description

Naked buckwheat, scientifically known as Eriogonum nudum, is a fascinating species belonging to the Polygonaceae family. This distinctive plant is native to the western regions of the United States, extending from the West to Northwest Mexico.

Eriogonum nudum gained formal recognition in the botanical world through the work of Douglas ex Benth., as documented in the Transactions of the Linnean Society of London in 1836. Since then, it has been a subject of interest due to its unique characteristics and adaptability to various environments.

Naked buckwheat thrives in diverse habitats ranging from coastal areas to inland regions, often found growing in open, dry locations where other vegetation may struggle to survive. The plant’s adaptability to different soil types and conditions makes it a resilient species.

The plant is easily recognizable by its slender, erect stems which appear almost bare, hence the name “naked” buckwheat. These stems are topped with clusters of small, delicate flowers that range in color from white to pale yellow or pink. The flowering period adds a subtle yet striking touch to the often sparse landscapes in which it grows.

This species is not just remarkable for its appearance but also for its ecological role. Naked buckwheat provides a valuable food source for pollinators, particularly bees, which are attracted to its flowers. Additionally, it plays a part in stabilizing soils and preventing erosion, making it an important plant for maintaining ecological balance in its native habitats.

In summary, Eriogonum nudum is a resilient and ecologically significant species, with a notable history and visual charm. Its presence across a wide geographical range from western U.S.A. to northwest Mexico highlights its adaptability and importance within the regions it inhabits.

Common Names

Eng: naked buckwheat, nakedstem buckwheat
En: Naked buckwheat, Nakedstem buckwheat

Synonyms

• Eriogonum latifolium subsp. nudum ((Douglas ex Benth.) S.Stokes)

Distribution

• California (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Nevada (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Washington (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Nov 12, 2012 by EOL − Belinda Lo (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2012 by EOL − Belinda Lo (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2013 by EOL − Jeannette Warnert (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 27, 2013 by EOL − Sam McNally (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 20, 2013 by EOL − Liam O’Brien (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken May 26, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 24, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken May 24, 2018 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken May 14, 2015 by EOL − Di (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2015 by EOL − kevinhintsa (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 25, 2015 by EOL − Jesse Rorabaugh (cc-by)

Taken Aug 5, 2013 by EOL − Leslie Flint (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 5, 2013 by EOL − Tony Iwane (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Jul 15, 2015 by EOL − paloma (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2889434)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:95235-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Eriogonum nudum Douglas ex Benth.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth