Description

Santa Cruz Island buckwheat is another of those Channel Island endemics that thrives in many parts of California. It grows as an open shrub in sun or light shade. The leaves are narrow, olive green and grow in upright bunches. While Santa Cruz Island buckwheat may grow to a height of six feet, three feet is more typical. The flower heads are a large cream-white umbel, much like yarrow in appearance but with red details in the tiny flowers. Santa Cruz Island buckwheat is adaptable to various soils and is quite drought tolerant once established. The dormant appearance of late summer is quite acceptable. By this time the flowers have faded to a reddish brown and contrast strikingly with the gray-green foliage. This buckwheat has done quite well in San Jose, Sunset zone 15. Make sure you purchase this plant from a reputable grower. Seed grown plants are often hybrids with other buckwheats growing in the vicinity. Growers need to take special precautions to avoid hybridization.