Scientific Family
Polygonaceae
Other common names
antelope sage
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Similar species
Eriogonum umbellatum
Height
10 inches
Riparian
No
A species of wild buckwheat with cottony seedheads elevated above the rest of the plant. It usually forms mounds as the plant ages. Has a taproot and usually a woody base.
Perennial to subshrub with spreading stems. Leaves basal, oval, hairy below, smooth above. Flowers in branched, terminal clusters; sepals cream colored or pinkish, hairy. Bracts subtending flower heads are large, conspicuous, resembling basal leaves.
Habitat
Rocky areas and cliffs in clearings in oak woodlands and pine forests.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Interior Chaparral
Low elevation
4500
High elevation
9000
Flower Characteristics
The flowers are white with red anthers; to 1/4 inch wide, 3/8 inch long, in tight or loose cluster above a whorl of small leaves. Each flower has 6 petal-like tepals (sepals and petals).
Flower color
White to yellowish-white
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
June
Last bloom month
October
Flower clusters
Rounded
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Flowering stems are erect, hairy and usually leafless. Leaves are mostly basal, grayish-green above, white and very hairy beneath; to 2 inches long.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Grayish-green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
3-sided seed pod is smooth except for a sparsely hairy beak.
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit color
Light brown to tan