Dubakella Mountain Buckwheat: A Rare California Native Worth Protecting
Meet Dubakella Mountain buckwheat (Eriogonum libertini), a little-known gem among California’s native wildflowers that deserves a spot in the conservation conversation. This perennial forb represents the incredible diversity of our native ecosystems, though you’re unlikely to stumble across it on your weekend hiking adventures.
What Makes This Plant Special
Dubakella Mountain buckwheat belongs to the wild buckwheat family, a group beloved by pollinators and native plant enthusiasts alike. As a perennial forb, it’s an herbaceous plant that returns year after year, lacking the woody stems of shrubs and trees but offering the reliability that perennial gardeners cherish.
What sets this particular buckwheat apart is its story of rarity. With a conservation status of S3 (Vulnerable), this species exists in only 21 to 100 known locations, with an estimated total population of 3,000 to 10,000 individuals. That makes it considerably more rare than many plants we consider endangered.
Where You’ll Find It (Or Won’t)
Dubakella Mountain buckwheat calls California home, making it a true Golden State native. Its limited distribution means it’s adapted to very specific conditions within the state’s diverse landscapes.
Should You Grow Dubakella Mountain Buckwheat?
Here’s where things get interesting – and important. While supporting native plants is always admirable, Dubakella Mountain buckwheat’s rarity demands special consideration. If you’re lucky enough to find ethically sourced seeds or plants (and that’s a big if), this could be a meaningful addition to a native plant collection.
The responsible approach:
- Only purchase from reputable native plant nurseries that can verify ethical sourcing
- Never collect seeds or plants from wild populations
- Consider this plant only if you’re committed to proper care and conservation
- Connect with local native plant societies for guidance
Growing Conditions and Care
Like most wild buckwheats, Dubakella Mountain buckwheat likely prefers well-draining soils and can handle California’s dry summers once established. However, specific growing requirements for this rare species aren’t well-documented, which adds another layer of challenge for home gardeners.
If you’re considering this plant, be prepared for some trial and error, and consider reaching out to botanical experts or conservation organizations for guidance.
Alternative Buckwheats for Your Garden
If Dubakella Mountain buckwheat proves too elusive (which is likely), don’t despair! California offers numerous other Eriogonum species that are more readily available and equally valuable to pollinators:
- California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum)
- Coast buckwheat (Eriogonum latifolium)
- Sulfur flower (Eriogonum umbellatum)
The Bigger Picture
Sometimes the most important plants aren’t the ones we can easily grow in our gardens. Dubakella Mountain buckwheat serves as a reminder of California’s incredible biodiversity and the importance of habitat conservation. While you may not be able to add this particular species to your landscape, supporting organizations that protect rare plant habitats ensures species like this continue to exist in the wild.
Whether you’re able to grow Dubakella Mountain buckwheat or choose a more common relative, you’re participating in the vital work of supporting native ecosystems. And that’s something worth celebrating, one buckwheat at a time.
