Photo of Eriogonum crocatum flower by Noah Elhardt

Photo by Noah Elhardt

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Eriogonum crocatum

Also Known As

  • Conejo Buckwheat
  • Saffron Buckwheat

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 12"-18"
  • W: 12"-18"

planting zones

  • 8a-10b

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Eriogonum crocatum plant details

Eriogonum crocatum is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with blue and white foliage. In spring and summer yellow flowers emerge. Attracts birds and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average and clay soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Eriogonum crocatum

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: polygonaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and white
Mature size: 12 IN - 18 IN - wide, 12 IN - 18 IN - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: long-blooming, native plant, rock garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Eriogonum crocatum

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Soil needs: average and clay

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Evergreen subshrub growing to 18" with an equal spread. Distinctive inch long gray-white leaves are covered in dense, woolly hairs. Flowers are small, sulfur-yellow, in dense flat-topped clusters from April to July. Thrives in heavier soils with little or no summer water. Hardy to 15 °F. Narrow endemic from the Santa Monica Mountains.
This is a cute little Eriogonum for the front of the border or in a container. It gets to be about 1’ tall & wide. The bright chartreuse-yellow flowers really pop against the felty, silver-grey leaves. The California Native Plant Society lists this plant as an endangered species. It is native only to Ventura County, California. It is a good nectar source for butterflies & birds eat the seeds. It blooms from Spring through early Summer. The flowers age to a nice cinnamon brown. Eriogonum crocatum needs some protection from afternoon sun in inland areas. It can tolerate clay soil & gets along on average to low water.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Eriogonum crocatum plant

How to Grow Eriogonum crocatum

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • white
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • butterflies
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Eriogonum for your garden

aka Santa Cruz Island Buckwheat

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

9a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-5'

Width: 2'-5'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Eriogonum arborescens flower, foliage by Stan Shebs
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aka Eriogonum fasciculatum [SBH 7671a], California Buckwheat

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

7a-11

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 3'-4'

  • sun
  • low
  • dry in summer
Photo of Eriogonum fasciculatum flower by Stan Shebs
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aka Eriogonum giganteum var. giganteum, Buckwheat, Saint Catherine's Lace, St. Catherine's Lace

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 4'-5'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry when dormant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Eriogonum giganteum flower by Stan Shebs
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aka Eriogonum heermannii, Eriogonum sulcatum, Heerman's Buckwheat, Heermann's Grooved Wild Buckwheat

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 2'-6'

Width: 2"-4'

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Eriogonum heermannii var. sulcatum form by Stan Shebs
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aka Eriogonum heracleoides var. minus, Parsnip Flowered Buckwheat, Parsnipflower Buckwheat, Whorled Buckwheat, Wyeth Buckwheat

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

3a-10b

Size

Height: 8"-24"

Width: 12"-24"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Eriogonum heracleoides foliage by Stan Shebs
View Plant

More Options

+35 more Eriogonum
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