Cliff Buckwheat

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.