Coast Buckwheat

Eriogonum latifolium

Another common plant in the dune habitat is coast buckwheat (seaside buckwheat). This plant is most easily recognized by its leaves, even when not in bloom. The leaves are coarse but not really fleshy and covered with white fuzz. The flowers are in clusters, the color varies from white to red. The stem can be short or rather long. It is not a vine.

Coast buckwheat (Eriogonum latifolium) is part of the Knotweed family (Polygonaceae) and you can see swollen joints on the stem. Here is picture that shows joints clearer:

Coast buckwheat (Eriogonum latifolium)

Here is a picture with more mature plant that turned pink:

Eriogonum latifolium in bloom