I saw this beautiful native “Buckwheat” growing in the Asilomar Dunes, apparently in pure sand. However, it has done very well in my Richmond clay garden where it has persisted for several years. The flowers are white, darkening to brown as they age, and if you sit next to the plant you will notice a myriad of nectar-seeking insects flying, buzzing, crawling everywhere. While clearly providing food for many insects wherever it is grown, it is famous as the nectar provider for the endangered El Segundo butterfly in Southern California. The plant grows low to around 2’ and spreads to 3’. The leaves are quite attractive: small, dark green with reddish tinges on the stems. It is very drought tolerant - I have never watered it! This is a fine little Buckwheat for the coastal garden. No summer water necessary once established.

Anni J.