Eriogonum arborescens Greene

Size and Growth Form

Eriogonum arborescens is a woody shrub that reaches 6–15 decimetres (2.0–4.9 ft) in height and spreads 5–30 decimetres (1.6–9.8 ft) in diameter. Its stems are covered in shreddy maroon-brown bark.

Leaf Characteristics

Narrow, fuzzy green leaves grow at the ends of the branches; each leaf is 2 to 5 centimeters long, and sometimes has rolled-under edges.

Inflorescence Structure

Frilly inflorescences of densely clustered flowers grow upright on nearly naked peduncles.

Flower Morphology

Each flower is only a few millimeters wide, very light pink, and has nine protruding stamens.

Bloom Period

This species blooms from April to October.

Distribution Range

This shrub is endemic to the northern Channel Islands of California, excluding San Miguel Island.

Habitat and Elevation

It grows in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats, at elevations between 10–600 metres (33–1,969 ft).

Ecological Value

This species, like most buckwheats of the Eriogonum genus, is of special value to butterflies and native bees.

Ornamental Use

Eriogonum arborescens is cultivated as an ornamental plant.

Cultivation Applications

It is planted in native plant gardens, drought-tolerant gardens, butterfly gardens, other types of wildlife gardens, and used in larger designed natural landscaping and habitat restoration projects.