Photo: Matt BergerCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Snow Buckwheat Plant Care
Eriogonum niveum Douglas ex Benth.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its silvery-white leaves covered in fine hairs, this plant originates from the high elevations of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Plant collectors are drawn to Eriogonum niveum for its unique foliage, which adds a touch of elegance and texture to any garden.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
50–90°F
20–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Snow Buckwheat?
Water Snow 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. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Snow Buckwheat Native To?
What Is the Snow Buckwheat?
Snow Buckwheat (Eriogonum niveum) belongs to the Polygonaceae family within the Eriogonum genus. Snow Buckwheat is native to the Pacific Northwest of North America. Snow Buckwheat is also known as Snowy Buckwheat.
Snow Buckwheat displays a low mounding perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Snow Buckwheat produces small clusters of tiny white, pink, or yellow flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Snow Buckwheat?
Eriogonum niveum 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 Snow Buckwheat Need?
Snow Buckwheat thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Snow Buckwheat Prefer?
Eriogonum niveum grows best at temperatures of 50–90°F. Snow Buckwheat prefers humidity levels of 20–60%.
Temperature
50–90°F
Humidity
20–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Snow Buckwheat?
Well-draining sandy or gravelly soil with low fertility. Good drainage is essential for Snow Buckwheat to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Snow Buckwheat?
Feed Snow Buckwheat every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Snow 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 Snow Buckwheat?
Snow Buckwheat can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to nodding buckwheat plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Snow Buckwheat Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Snow 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 Snow Buckwheat?
Snow 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 Snow Buckwheat Need?
Snow Buckwheat grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Snow Buckwheat is native to the Pacific Northwest of North America.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Snow 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.
Snow 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 niveum Douglas ex Benth., family Polygonaceae (first published in Trans. Linn. Soc. London 17: 414 (1836)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Snow 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.
- Photo: Matt Berger, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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