Blue Mountain Buckwheat: A Pacific Northwest Native Worth Knowing
If you’re passionate about native gardening in the Pacific Northwest, you might have stumbled across the intriguing Blue Mountain buckwheat (Eriogonum strictum proliferum var. glabrum). This perennial native is one of those plants that doesn’t make it into every gardening magazine, but it holds a special place in Washington’s native plant communities.
What Makes Blue Mountain Buckwheat Special?
Blue Mountain buckwheat is a native perennial forb that belongs to the fascinating buckwheat family. Unlike its woody cousins, this plant is an herbaceous perennial, meaning it lacks significant woody tissue and dies back to ground level each year, regenerating from buds at or below the soil surface. It’s a true Washington native, evolved specifically for the unique conditions of this beautiful state.
Where You’ll Find This Native Gem
This buckwheat variety calls Washington state home, making it a perfect choice for gardeners wanting to support their local ecosystem with truly regional plants. Its limited distribution makes it a special addition to native plant collections.
Why Consider Blue Mountain Buckwheat for Your Garden?
Here are some compelling reasons to consider this native perennial:
- True regional native: Supporting plants that evolved in your specific area helps maintain local ecological connections
- Perennial nature: Once established, this plant will return year after year
- Low-maintenance approach: Native plants are typically adapted to local conditions, requiring less intervention than non-natives
- Unique addition: This isn’t a plant you’ll see in every garden center, making it a conversation starter
The Growing Challenge
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit challenging): Blue Mountain buckwheat is one of those native plants that hasn’t made it into mainstream horticulture yet. This means specific growing information, preferred conditions, and care tips are limited in standard gardening resources.
What we do know is that as a member of the Eriogonum family, it likely shares some characteristics with other buckwheats, which typically prefer:
- Well-draining soils
- Full sun to partial shade
- Low to moderate water once established
- Good air circulation
Finding and Growing Blue Mountain Buckwheat
If you’re determined to grow this native beauty, your best bet is to connect with:
- Native plant societies in Washington
- Specialty native plant nurseries
- Local botanical gardens with native plant programs
- University extension programs focusing on native plants
These sources might have seeds, plants, or most importantly, specific growing advice from people who have hands-on experience with this particular variety.
The Bottom Line
Blue Mountain buckwheat represents the exciting frontier of native gardening – plants that are truly local but haven’t yet been fully explored in cultivation. If you’re an adventurous gardener who loves supporting native ecosystems and doesn’t mind a bit of experimentation, this could be a rewarding addition to your garden.
Just remember: when working with less common natives, patience and observation are your best tools. Start small, take notes, and don’t be afraid to reach out to local native plant experts for advice. Sometimes the most rewarding gardening experiences come from growing plants that require us to slow down and really pay attention to what they need.
