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Field Guide


Smith's Buckwheat

Smith's Buckwheat (Eriogonum smithii)
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Eriogonum smithii

Other common names: Smith Wild Buckwheat

NatureServe conservation status

Global (G-rank): G2
State (S-rank): S2

Utah Wildlife Action Plan status

  • SGCN

External links


General information

Eriogonum smithii is endemic to San Rafael Desert along the boundary of Emery and Wayne Counties, Utah. Smith's Buckwheat (or Flat Top buckwheat) can be found among purple-sage, matchweed, ephedra-Indian rice grass, and rabbitbrush communities on stabilized dunes at 5200 to 5610 feet elevation.

Description

Eriogonum smithii is endemic to San Rafael Desert along the boundary of Emery and Wayne Counties, Utah. Smith's Buckwheat (or Flat Top buckwheat) can be found among purple-sage, matchweed, ephedra-Indian rice grass, and rabbitbrush communities on stabilized dunes at 5200 to 5610 feet elevation.

Phenology

Flowers from July to October

Diagnostic characteristics

This species stands out from most other species of Eriogonum by being completely glabrous

Species range

Plants found in the San Rafael Desert of Emery and Wayne Counties, Utah.

Threats or limiting factors

Threats include smothering by destabilized sand dunes, mining, grazing, recreation, and drought.

Taxonomy

No, this species does not have taxonomic discrepancies