Sulfur buckwheat
Eriogonum umbellatum
Sulfur buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum) is a Colorado-native groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 6–12 in tall and 18–24 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Native pollinator powerhouse. Yellow umbel-like flowers age to rust-red, beautiful late-season.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water6–12 in tall and 18–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Reid Hardin, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: no rights reserved
- Photo 3: (c) Reid Hardin, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.5
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 6–12 in tall and 18–24 in wide
- Growth habit
- Clumping
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early summer, mid summer
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Winter cover
- Partial winter cover
What it will do to your yard
- Foot traffic
- No foot traffic
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- foothills, montane
Using Sulfur buckwheat as a groundcover
Sulfur buckwheat grows in tidy clumps. It fills in loosely, so mulch between plants while it establishes. On a slope it helps knit the soil together and control erosion.
Planting & establishment
Drainage is critical. Drought-tolerant native, minimal water after first summer.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Sulfur buckwheat good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Sulfur buckwheat is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Sulfur buckwheat get?
- It matures to about 6–12 in tall and 18–24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Sulfur buckwheat?
- Space Sulfur buckwheat about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Sulfur buckwheat hardy on the Front Range?
- Sulfur buckwheat is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Sulfur buckwheat need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Sulfur buckwheat native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Sulfur buckwheat deer-resistant?
- Sulfur buckwheat is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Sulfur buckwheat a good firewise plant near the house?
- Sulfur buckwheat is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Can you walk on Sulfur buckwheat?
- Sulfur buckwheat isn't meant for foot traffic, site it where you won't need to walk across it.
- Will Sulfur buckwheat spread or stay put?
- Sulfur buckwheat is clumping. Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Does Sulfur buckwheat stay green in winter?
- Sulfur buckwheat keeps partial cover through Front Range winters.
- Is Sulfur buckwheat good for a slope?
- Yes. Sulfur buckwheat helps hold soil on Front Range slopes and control erosion once its roots knit in.
- How long does Sulfur buckwheat bloom?
- Sulfur buckwheat blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
