Polygonaceae
Eriogonum ovalifolium var. purpureum

Cushion Buckwheat

Dense mats of oval leaves, erect flower stems. Leaves egg-shaped, coated with hairs, entire. Flower stalks upright, 2–8 in. long, topped with head-like clusters of white, creamy yellow, or purplish flowers. Grows on sandy or gravelly soils, usually on east-facing slopes, at mid- to high elevations. The name var. ovalifolium has been misapplied to this plant. Var. ovalifolium is a common plant with similar but usually larger leaves and yellow flowers.

  • Rarity: Locally Common
  • Flowering Time: All Summer
  • Life Cycle: Perennial
  • Height: 2--8 inches
  • Habitat: Subalpine, Alpine, Dry Rocky Sites
  • Found In: Great Basin, Steens
  • Native: Yes

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