Plant Type

Shrub, Perennial

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Grey Green

 

Bark Color

Brown

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Fast

 

Soil Type

Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Parking Strip, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Butterflies

A Utah native, Sulfur Buckwheat has shown itself to be very adaptable to urban landscapes, which is a good thing as this plant as so much going for itself. Sulfur yellow flowers are in profusion mid to late summer, attracting butterflies and other beneficial insects. Foliage is olive green, turning russet in autumn and persisting into winter. An excellent perennial for a sunny parkstrip. Attracts bees, butterflies, beneficial insects, and birds. There are a great number of varieties in this species, with slightly differing heights, flower time and color, and leaf shape. Fragrant. Attractive to butterflies and bees. Birds love the seeds, so don't be eager to deadhead.

Grow in well drained soil in full sun to light shade, though, if planted in shade take extra care to not over water. Delay removing spent flowers until late winter or early spring as migrating and overwintering birds will appreciate the seeds. Very tolerant of poor, rocky or gravelly soils; it is most important that the soils are well drained. Hardy to -0 degrees. Also listed as E. polyanthum. Flowers dry well and are attractive in arrangements or for crafting (though you would have to decide between the competing interests of the birds and butterflies...) Not technically an evergreen, but the leaves persist well into the fall and winter months.