Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Friday - March 21, 2008
From: La Pine, OR
Region: Northwest
Topic: Herbs/Forbs
Title: Eriogonum spergulinum, wild buckwheat
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Do you have any information on the wildflower Eriogonum spergulinum???ANSWER:
Well, frankly, not a whole lot. Eriogonum spergulinum (spurry buckwheat) is shown on the USDA Plant Profile as being confined to California and, in fact, endemic to a few counties in California. It is not in the Wildflower Center Plant Database, but that doesn't mean it's not native; apparently, it is. This University of Maryland article by James L. Reveal on Taxonomic Treatment of Eriagonoidaea (Polygonaceae) indicates the counties where it is found in California, Idaho, Nevada and Oregon, which includes your county of Deschutes. We found a website from CalPhotos with pictures of the various parts of the plant and flowers. Presumably, something called "buckwheat" can also count as a wildflower. If you are looking for seed sources for this plant, go to this site of native seed suppliers for Oregon, contact the nurseries and see if they carry the seed or can suggest a source.
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Growing Texas star hibiscus in Central Texas
August 11, 2014 - Hi there,
I purchased a beautiful Texas Star Hibiscus that I want to plant in my yard. Unfortunately, my yard being in Travis Heights, I hit a lot of caliche when digging. To plant some other nativ...
view the full question and answer
Odor and flavor of oils in Mints as insect repellants
December 19, 2005 - I am trying to find information on "How does mint plants repel insects" It's for my grand daughter's science project. Any help will be appreciated.
Thank you
view the full question and answer
Sharing Selfheal with Texas Friends
April 25, 2013 - I have discovered selfheal plants in my yard. When and how do I collect the seeds or do I just dig up plants to share with friends? I understand this is actually an herb. I love identifying wildflower...
view the full question and answer
Drought and pollution resistant flowers for Rock Falls, IL
February 08, 2009 - I am looking for hearty flowers for our city planters that are both resistant to drought and auto emissions. We are located in northern Illinois. Planting is done in May.
view the full question and answer
Invasiveness of Oenothera speciosa?
October 02, 2015 - Hello! I received a large package of Oenothera speciosa seeds and would like to plant them this month. I've read elsewhere that they can choke out out other plants and am wondering to what degree thi...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |