Polygonaceae

Eriogonum ovalifolium var. purpureum

Cushion Buckwheat

Dense mats of oval leaves, erect flower stems. Leaves egg-shaped, coated with hairs, entire. Flower stalks upright, 2–8 in. long, topped with head-like clusters of white, creamy yellow, or purplish flowers. Grows on sandy or gravelly soils, usually on east-facing slopes, at mid- to high elevations. The name var. ovalifolium has been misapplied to this plant. Var. ovalifolium is a common plant with similar but usually larger leaves and yellow flowers.

• Rarity: Locally Common
• Flowering Time: All Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 2--8 inches
• Habitat: Subalpine, Alpine, Dry Rocky Sites
• Found In: Great Basin, Steens
• Native: Yes