Family: Polygonaceae
Author: Sm.
Bibliography: A.Rees, Cycl. 13: n.º 3 (1809)
Year: 1809
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Eriogonum
Vegetable: False
Observations: SW. Oregon to W. California
Description
Seaside wild buckwheat, scientifically known as Eriogonum latifolium, is a distinctive and resilient plant that thrives along the coastal regions of the western United States, particularly from southwestern Oregon to western California. Belonging to the family Polygonaceae, this species exhibits a remarkable adaptation to its often harsh, seaside environment.
Identified and documented by Sm. in A. Rees’ Cyclopaedia in 1809, Eriogonum latifolium stands out for its ecological importance and unique botanical characteristics. This perennial herb typically grows low to the ground, forming dense mats that can withstand strong coastal winds and salty air. Its broad leaves are a defining feature, hence the name “latifolium,” meaning “broad-leaved.”
The flowers of seaside wild buckwheat are small yet striking, usually appearing in clusters that range from white to pink to pale yellow. Blooming from late spring to early fall, these flowers provide a vital nectar source for local pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing to the biodiversity and health of its habitat.
The spreads of Eriogonum latifolium across coastal bluffs and sand dunes play a pivotal role in soil stabilization and erosion prevention, making it not only a plant of beauty but also of significant environmental utility. Its robust nature allows it to flourish in well-drained, sandy soils where few other plants can survive, thereby supporting a unique ecosystem.
Conservation efforts are essential to ensure the survival of Eriogonum latifolium, as coastal development and habitat loss threaten its natural environment. By understanding and appreciating the plant’s role in its native habitat, we can take steps to protect this and other native species that contribute so richly to the diversity and sustainability of our coastal ecosystems.
Common Names
Eng: coast-buckwheat, seaside buckwheat, seaside wild buckwheat
En: Seaside wild buckwheat, Coast-buckwheat, Seaside buckwheat
Synonyms
- Eriogonum oblongifolium var. minus (Benth.)
- Eriogonum latifolium subsp. typicum (S.Stokes)
- Eriogonum oblongifolium (Benth.)
Distribution
- California (native)
- Oregon (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 18, 2015 by EOL − icosahedron (cc-by)
Taken May 22, 2014 by EOL − Liam O’Brien (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 17, 2014 by EOL − naturalist eve (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 13, 2014 by EOL − Liam O’Brien (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 6, 2020 by Kim Umemoto (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 14, 2013 by EOL − Rebecca Marschall (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 24, 2013 by EOL − Leslie Flint (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 24, 2013 by EOL − Sterling Sheehy (cc-by)
Taken May 11, 2013 by EOL − adosf (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 19, 2013 by EOL − Rana Dray (cc-by-nc)
Leaf
Taken Jan 7, 2015 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 7, 2015 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 15, 2014 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 18, 2012 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 12, 2013 by EOL − Ross Millikan (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Aug 23, 2014 by EOL − Donna Pomeroy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 1, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 13, 2013 by EOL − Jennifer Rycenga (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© 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/2889500)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:694250-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Eriogonum latifolium Sm.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Subshrub
