Forked Buckwheat
(Eriogonum bifurcatum )
Polygonaceae

Photo Copyright James L. Reveal, Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution

Description: Annual herb, 4 - 16 inches (1-4dm) tall, 1 - 5 feet (3-15dm) across, with short stems less than       1/ 1/8 inch (3cm) long, from a slender taproot. Leaves are round, 3/8 - 1 1/8 inches (1-3cm) across, and originate at the base with a leaf stalk 3/8 - 1 1/2 inches (1-4cm) long. Inflorescence is a flat topped cyme with scale-like, hairless, and upright bracts, and 10 - 20 flowers. Flowers are white to red, 1/16 inch (1.5-2mm) long. Fruit is 1/8 inch (2-2.5mm) long.

Distribution:

Habitat: Creosote bush scrub; sand. Elevation 2240 - 2592 feet.

Flowering Period: April - June.

Similar Plants:

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 1B