There are 254 varieties of Buckwheat native to California and they are incredibly important not only as pollinators but also as host plants to caterpillars. Coast buckwheat likely supports up to 41 butterflies and moths as well as providing seeds for birds and cover for many other creatures. We’ve planted 3 varieties of buckwheat: Coast buckwheat, Red-flowered buckwheat (Eriogonum grande var. rubescens) and St Catherine’s Lace (Eriogonum giganteum), all long-blooming tough perennials. Since we planted the buckwheat we’ve been seeing a lot of new butterflies.
Most buckwheats are very easy to grow; they like sun and well drained soil and don’t need water once established. They bloom later in the summer, and are an important later blooming option for insects.
