Subalpine Buckwheat Plant Care
Eriogonum microthecum Nutt.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Eriogonum microthecum is a species of wild buckwheat known by the common name slender buckwheat. It is native to the western United States where it is found in a variety of habitats, particularly in dry areas such as deserts.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
50–90°F
20–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Subalpine Buckwheat?
Water Subalpine Buckwheat every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–90°F (10–32°C) and 20–60% humidity.
Where Is the Subalpine Buckwheat Native To?
What Is the Subalpine Buckwheat?
Subalpine Buckwheat (Eriogonum microthecum) belongs to the Polygonaceae family within the Eriogonum genus. Subalpine Buckwheat is native to the western United States. Subalpine Buckwheat is also known as Desert Buckwheat.
Subalpine Buckwheat displays a low mounding perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Subalpine Buckwheat produces small clusters of tiny white, pink, or yellow flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Subalpine Buckwheat?
Eriogonum microthecum requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Subalpine Buckwheat Need?
Subalpine Buckwheat thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Subalpine Buckwheat Prefer?
Eriogonum microthecum grows best at temperatures of 50–90°F. Subalpine Buckwheat prefers humidity levels of 20–60%.
Temperature
50–90°F
Humidity
20–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Subalpine Buckwheat?
Well-draining sandy or gravelly soil with low fertility. Good drainage is essential for Subalpine Buckwheat to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Subalpine Buckwheat?
Repot every 3-4 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Subalpine Buckwheat?
Subalpine Buckwheat can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to nodding buckwheat plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Subalpine Buckwheat Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Subalpine Buckwheat, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Subalpine Buckwheat?
Subalpine Buckwheat is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Subalpine Buckwheat Need?
Subalpine Buckwheat grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Subalpine Buckwheat is native to the western United States. In cooler regions, grow Subalpine Buckwheat as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Subalpine Buckwheat is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Eriogonum genus — compare its care with other Eriogonum species on PlantoScan.
Eriogonum is part of the Polygonaceae plant family — browse all Polygonaceae genera and species.
Subalpine Buckwheat thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Eriogonum Species
Other Eriogonum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Eriogonum microthecum Nutt., family Polygonaceae (first published in Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 4: 15. 1848 [Mar-Apr 1848] ; J. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, ser. 2, 1: 162. Aug. 1848.) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Subalpine Buckwheat, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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