Seacliff or Cliff Buckwheat grows mostly in coastal strand and coast sage scrub communities near the coast. It is a very important wildlife plant, particularly for butterflies, bees and wasps. This species of buckwheat is a medium-small spreading shrub with small leaves and pinkish-white flowers that bloom mostly from mid- to late summer.
The scientific name is Eriogonum parvifolium. The Greek words erion – “wool” and gonu – “joint or knee” describe the hairy joints of some of the species.The Greek words parvus – “small” and flora – “flower” describe the small-flowers.
All photographs are of plants on More Mesa. The top picture shows Fiery Skipper, Common Buckeye and Blue Acmon butterflies on Seacliff Buckwheat.
 |
 |