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 nativelow water6–12 in tall and 18–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Eriogonum umbellatum
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 6–12 in tall and 18–24 in wide
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- full sun
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Soil
- sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.5
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Bloom time
- early summer, mid summer
- Pollinator value
- high
- Good for
- slope
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 included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a groundcover suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Sulfur buckwheat get?
- It matures to about 6–12 in tall and 18–24 in wide.
- 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.
