Eriogonum cinereum

Ashyleaf buckwheat is a perennial shrub to 4 ft., (usually 2 ft.) with whitish-pink flower clusters on grey foliage, a plant for erosion control in dry coastal areas. The plantings here have survived 15 F., with no damage, but died at 10 F. The buckwheats are very important for butterflies and native wasps. The wasps are small predatory insects that control the aphids, mealy bug, and scale insects, etc., in your garden. The flowers, leaves and seeds are used by many of the smaller animals. Plants occurring nearby are very diverse and range from Dudleya pulverulenta to Coreopsis gigantea. Common species include Rhus integrifolia, Encelia californica, Salvia mellifera, Artemisia californica, Leymus condensatus, and Diplacus aurantiacus (longiflorus), on clay soil. Click here for more about California Buckwheats