Eriogonum umbellatum

Habit: low growing, upright sub shrub forming a loose mat-like mass of leaves. Oval leaves are small and shiny green on top, gray and wooly underneath. Clusters of showy flowers ranging from yellow to orange or reddish top the flower stems. The long lasting inflorescence occurs above the leaf mass and when in full blossom appears spherical and umbrella like. Leaves turn red in autumn. Blooms throughout the summer.

Ecology: found in hot, dry meadows of foothills, on gravelly mountain slopes and cooler valley ridges in elevations from 650-12,000 ft (200-3700 m), usually on the east side of the Cascades.

Growing Conditions: prefers full sun, and dry rocky well-drained soil. Sulfur-flower buckwheat can tolerate the western conditions better than most eastern species.

The seeds are an important food source for many species of birds and small mammals.  Eriogonum umbellatum also contains excessive amounts of Vitamin K.

Always seek advice from a professional before consuming or using a plant medicinally.