Goldencarpet Buckwheat
Eriogonum luteolum var. caninum
Care
full sun
very low
0–2ft tall
Resistant
Friendly
Prized
North Coast Ranges and adjacent areas from Humboldt County south to Mendocino County, below 2000 ft elevation in grassland and open coastal scrub.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your goldencarpet buckwheat in full sun with very well-draining soil - it thrives in the lean, rocky conditions of California's mountain foothills and will struggle in rich or compacted soil. Space plants to accommodate their variable growth habit, which can range from upright (up to 2 feet) to spreading mats depending on conditions. Plant in fall or early spring to take advantage of natural rainfall, as this is an annual that expects minimal water once established.
After Planting
Water sparingly after planting; this species is adapted to very low water conditions and prefers dry summers like those in its native Sierra Nevada and Coast Ranges habitat. Overwatering is the main threat to this plant - allow soil to dry between waterings and cut back water significantly once the plant is established. Expect it to behave as an annual or short-lived plant, and plan for self-seeding if you want it to return; deadheading isn't necessary unless you want to prevent volunteer seedlings in subsequent years.
Visit Calscape for more information about Goldencarpet Buckwheat
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Multiple generations spring through early fall; caterpillars feed on developing flower buds and seeds
Caterpillars develop on flower buds; critical host plant in California populations
Fungal rust pathogen; endemic to Eriogonum species in California
Parasitic plant relationship; part of native plant community dynamics
Forages on flowers when in bloom; important early season pollen source for colony establishment