Eriogonum arborescens is a species of wild buckwheat known by the common name Santa Cruz Island buckwheat.[1] [2] [3]
Eriogonum arborescens is a woody shrub that grows from 6dm15dm in height, and sprawling from 5dm30dm in diameter.[2]
The stems have shreddy maroon-brown bark. They bear narrow, fuzzy green leaves at the ends of the branches, each 2 to 5 centimeters long and sometimes with edges rolled under.[2]
The frilly inflorescences of densely clustered flowers erect on nearly naked peduncles. Each flower is only a few millimeters wide, very light pink in color, with nine protruding stamens. The bloom period is from April to October.[1] [2]
This shrub is endemic to the northern Channel Islands of California except San Miguel Island.[1] [2]
It is found in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats, between 10m-600mm (30feet-2,000feetm).[2]
This species, and most buckwheats (Eriogonum sp.), are of special value to butterflies and native bees.[4] [5]
Eriogonum arborescens is cultivated as an ornamental plant, for planting in native plant, drought tolerant, and in butterfly gardens and other wildlife gardens; and for larger designed natural landscaping and habitat restoration projects.[4] [5] [6]