Species PlantsSulphur Buckwheat

Sulphur Buckwheat

Eriogonum umbellatum

CommonPlant
Illustration of Sulphur Buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum)

Sulphur Buckwheat is a low-growing wildflower of western mountain and desert habitats, producing bright yellow flower clusters in summer that age to rust-red. It is one of the most important butterfly plants in western North America, serving as a larval host for dozens of hairstreak and blue butterfly species. The genus Eriogonum contains over 250 species.

Habitat
Rocky mountain slopes, sagebrush steppe, and arid open areas of the West
Diet
Larval host for 50+ butterfly species; nectar for native bees and beetles
How common
Common

Best time to see a Sulphur Buckwheat

The best time to see a Sulphur Buckwheat is June–July, when about 68% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 17,476 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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