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Presidio of San Francisco
Coast Buckwheat
(Eriogonum latifolium)
 
Coast Buckwheat
Will Elder, NPS
Coast Buckwheat has leaves that can turn pink, orange and red.
 

Origin Of Genus Name: Eriogonum is Greek for "woolly knees."

Presidio Locations: Found throughout the Presidio, especially on coastal bluffs and dunes.

Range In State: Northern to central California coast. The Presidio is the type locality for this species.

Description: This native, perennial species has white or pinkish flowers that densely cluster to form a ball shaped flower head. The paddle-shaped leaves are greenish gray above and white underneath, and have densely matted hairs underneath them. This is also a nectar source for the Green Hairstreak Butterfly and other summer butterflies. Blooms May to September.

Native Californian Uses: The Ohlone, Maidu and Round Valley tribes used a decoction of root, stalk and leaves for coughs. Yuki and Round Valley women made a tea to relieve gynecological problems.

Wildflower main page

San Francisco Campion, a rare plant found in the Presidio  

Did You Know?
Thirteen plants found at the Presidio have been designated as rare, threatened, or endangered by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service and/or the California Native Plant Society.

Last Updated: January 18, 2008 at 17:57 EST