Eriogonum arborescens (Santa Cruz Island Buckwheat)

Striking year-round, Eriogonum arborescens (Santa Cruz Island Buckwheat) is an evergreen shrub of compact mounding habit, with fingerlike, fuzzy, silvery-gray leaves at the tips of the branches. Profuse tiny pink and white flowers held in dense, flat-topped clusters bloom for months from late spring to fall. Rich in nectar, they attract bees and butterflies. The blossoms fade to a pretty red rust color, then brown, holding different colors at the same time. They remain ornamental for a long period. The reddish-brown trunk and branches have attractive peeling curls of gray bark. Tough and easy to grow, Santa Cruz Island Buckwheat tolerates very dry conditions and requires little to no maintenance. It is excellent for erosion control and is a great choice for desert or water-wise gardens. The flowers are often cut, dried, and used as everlastings.

• Grows up to 2-4 ft. tall and wide (60-120 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in dry to medium, well-drained soils. Tolerates clay and alkaline soils. Water every three to four weeks or not at all once established. Drought tolerant.
• Great for banks and slopes (erosion control), and wildlife gardens.
• Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds but is deer resistant.
• Generally pest and disease free.
• Propagate by seed.
• Native to the Channel Islands of California.