Sunflower

Helianthus Anuus

ABOUT

California Buckwheat is one of the most Santa Clarita’s most abundant, yet special plants.

In the summer, you’ll see hillsides covered with the white and peak and blooms that become rust colored towards the end of summer.

Don’t let its abundance fool you, this is a very special plant.

They’re a summer bloomer, holding down the fort for pollinators, after many other perennials have gone dormant with the relentless summer heat.

These plants are unique to Southern California, Buckwheats in general are a California plant. They are a diverse class, and such an important plant for insects. - x amount of butterfly/moth species use it as a host plant. Keystone species.

They thrive in heat, are extremely drought tolerant.

Important in creating natural mulch.

Popular in gardens. If you’re going to plant one native species - buckwheat is it (?)

More info on yerba santa can be found on the US Forest website as well as WebMD and Wikipedia.

Close-up of yerba santa leaves (both young and mature) with their fuzzy texture.