Eriogonum latifolium aka Seaside Wild Buckwheat

Eriogonum latifolium, or seaside buckwheat, belongs to the Polygonaceae family. It is a perennial, which means it lives for years. Its native range runs from southwest Oregon through western California. It grows along the coast in the temperate belt. Wild plants grow on sandy flats, slopes, bluffs, and mesas. They also grow in coastal scrub and grassland. Most sites lie below 262 feet [80 metres]. Some reach about 656 feet [200 metres] above sea level.

Plants grow to about 2 feet [0.6 metres] tall. The evidence gives no clear width for full-grown plants. Plants For A Future lists blooms from August to September. Each flower has both male and female organs. The supplied species account gives no flower colour or fruit details. It does not describe the leaves, bark, or stems. The RHS page covers these traits only for the genus.

Grow this plant in full sun, not in shade. It needs loose, lean soil that drains well. It grows in sand and loam, even with few nutrients. The soil can be mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline. Once plants take root, dry soil suits them. The account also lists moist soil as suitable. Soil must still drain well when it holds more water. Plants cope with strong winds and open sites. Yet the source says they cannot cope with maritime exposure.

Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 7–10. It gives cold tolerance near 14–23°F [−10 to −5°C]. Keep plants safe from wet weather in winter. Once plants take root, they dislike having their roots disturbed. Bear this in mind when moving plants or splitting clumps. Sow fresh seed in sandy compost under glass in autumn. Sow stored seed under warm glass in early spring. Keep seedlings under glass for their first winter. Plant them out after the last expected frost.

The account lists garden beds as a place to grow it. It records young, tender stems as a raw food. It reports that children ate them in early summer. It also records old remedies made from roots, stalks, and leaves. People used these for headaches, stomach pain, coughs, and colds. They used a root wash for sore eyes. These records do not prove the remedies safe or effective. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards or weed potential. The supplied evidence names no specific pests or diseases.