Eriogonum giganteum

Saint Catherine's Lace is an evergreen shrub that commonly grows to four feet. This is a big buckwheat, native to the Channel Islands, with pinkish-white flowers fading to rust red, emerging May-December, and gray foliage. Good background plant, liking full to part-day sun, needs only low amounts of water and does fine in the interior; no damage at 15 F., container stock damaged at 12 F. St. Catherine's Lace is a brittle plant, and snow does a number on the stems. The species has grown very well in desert and southern San Joaquin Valley areas (Taft, Bakersfield and Ridgecrest). The buckwheats are very important butterfly plants and one of the pillars of their communities; ask any Wren Tit or Bush Tit. The flowers, leaves and seeds are all used by many of the smaller animals. A very different and distinct plant that can bring life back into your yard. Click here for more about California Buckwheats