Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: Skeletonweed, Flatcrown Buckwheat, Flat-top Buckwheat, Skeletonweed Buckwheat
  • Synonyms: Eriogonum deflexum
  • Family: Polygonaceae (Buckwheat)
  • Genus Information:

Habit and Size

  • Duration: annual
  • Habit: forb
  • Shape: triangular
  • Size: up to 6 feet, usually up to 1 foot
  • Stem: green

Leaves

  • Color: green above, white below
  • Shape: round to kidney shaped and wooly
  • Edge: smooth
  • Arrangement: basal
  • Leaf Retention: drought deciduous

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex: monoecious
  • Flower Color: white, red, pink, green
  • Flower Size: 1/4 inch
  • Number of Petals: 4
  • Bloom: all year
  • Fruit: achene

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use: low
  • Light: full sun
  • Soil: well drained
  • Habitat: sandy, gravel, disturbed areas

Distribution

  • Distribution: AZ, CA, NM, NV, UT
  • Seen: Las Vegas Wash
  • Elevation: Below 5200 feet

Photographs

Skeletonweed (Eriogonum deflexum)

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Las Vegas

Skeletonweed (Eriogonum deflexum)

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Las Vegas

Skeletonweed (Eriogonum deflexum)

Clark County Wetlands, Las Vegas

Skeletonweed (Eriogonum deflexum)

Las Vegas Wash, Nevada