Scientific Name:
Eriogonum parvifolium
Description
This shrub with ball-shaped pale pink and white flowers, is commonly found on coastal bluffs and dunes formations. Dune buckwheat also is known by the common names Coastal buckwheat, Coast buckwheat, Cliff buckwheat, or Seacliff buckwheat. Whatever you call it, the little round blooms make for a delightful splash of color along the coast.
Fun Facts
Dune buckwheat is a host to many insect pollinators looking for food. Because of its importance, the plant has been a focal point of many restoration programs in California.
Rusty, dried buckwheat blooms in the autumn at Point Lobos. Photo by Kim Forsberg.
Dune buckwheat blooming at Point Lobos. Photo by Ernie Long.