Longleaf Buckwheat
Eriogonum longifolium
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Pl. 4209 — Eriogonum longifolium
Eriogonum longifoliumEriogonum longifoliumEriogonum longifoliumEriogonum longifoliumEriogonum longifoliumEriogonum longifoliumEriogonum longifoliumEriogonum longifoliumEriogonum longifoliumEriogonum longifoliumEriogonum longifoliumEriogonum longifoliumEriogonum longifoliumEriogonum longifolium
IOverview
Overview
Longleaf Buckwheat (Eriogonum longifolium) is a perennial forb or herb found in the southeastern and southwestern United States, from Alabama to Texas. Known for its light requirements of full sun and adaptability to dry to moist conditions, this plant thrives in sandy and medium soils. Native to regions including Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas, Longleaf Buckwheat is both edible and ornamental. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to grow up to 1 meter tall, making it a notable presence in the landscape while also serving as an important source of root-based food for those who cultivate it.
Quick answers
What is Longleaf Buckwheat?
Longleaf Buckwheat (Eriogonum longifolium) is a perennial forb or herb found in the southeastern and southwestern United States, from Alabama to Texas. Known for its light requirements of full sun and adaptability to dry to moist conditions, this plant thrives in sandy and medium soils.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Longleaf Buckwheat thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It can tolerate both dry and moist conditions but generally performs best with regular watering. This perennial grows up to 1 meter tall and is hardy in temperate regions, making it suitable for gardens across its native range in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. Propagate via seeds or division of mature plants. Harvest the root for edible use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Longleaf Buckwheat for the first time
8steps
Start with Longleaf Buckwheat by ensuring it gets plenty of sun and well-draining soil.
- 1
What you'll need
A suitable location, seeds or young plants, a trowel, and water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with well-draining soil and full sun. Amend sandy or medium soil as needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start young plants indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun, minimal watering once established, and occasional pruning to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead or damaged parts in early spring to encourage new growth. Avoid heavy harvesting of roots.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poorly drained soil, neglecting sun exposure, and not providing enough space.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The longleaf buckwheat's root is edible and can be prepared in various ways. Typically, the roots are dug up and either boiled or roasted before consumption. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
11 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
11 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 11 native
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Arkansas
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 42097f7c-0a29-42a6-95b0-b60ea5192489
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