Understanding Sulphur Buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum)
Sulphur buckwheat ($Eriogonum umbellatum$) is a widespread native wildflower in western North America, known for its vibrant yellow flowers that transition to an attractive reddish-orange color with age. It is a perennial plant that thrives in dry, rocky, well-drained soils and is a valuable plant for native gardens and restoration projects due to its drought tolerance. Its low-maintenance nature and ability to attract beneficial pollinators like butterflies and bees make it a popular choice for ecological landscaping. However, its relationship to the common, edible buckwheat ($Fagopyrum esculentum$) often leads to confusion.
The Name Misnomer: Wild vs. Common Buckwheat
One of the primary sources of confusion regarding the edibility of sulphur buckwheat is its name. The term "buckwheat" is shared by two very different plants from the same family, Polygonaceae, but from different genera. The commonly consumed grain is from the genus $Fagopyrum$, while sulphur buckwheat is from the genus $Eriogonum$. The two are not interchangeable, and the safe consumption of common buckwheat does not automatically apply to its wild cousin.
Traditional Indigenous Uses
While not a food staple, various indigenous peoples of North America utilized sulphur buckwheat for both medicinal and limited food purposes. It is important to note that these uses were part of a deep, traditional ethnobotanical knowledge base and should not be replicated without expert guidance due to potential risks.
Here are some documented traditional applications:
- Medicinal Teas: The Cheyenne used a tea from powdered stems and flowers for gynecological issues, while the Blackfoot boiled leaves for a different kind of beverage.
- Poultices: The Paiute and Shoshone created poultices from mashed leaves and roots to treat rheumatism and lameness.
- Limited Edible Use: Some Pueblo and Navajo communities in the Southwest historically consumed the seeds or used the plant as an emetic for ceremonial cleansing.
Modern Perspective: Is it Safe to Eat?
In modern contexts, foraging for and consuming sulphur buckwheat is not recommended for several reasons, despite its non-toxic classification. Its seeds and leaves are not used for common culinary purposes, and there is a lack of widespread knowledge regarding safe preparation and consumption. It is critical to differentiate between historical medicinal use and modern-day dietary practices.
Comparison Table: Sulphur Buckwheat vs. Common Buckwheat
| Feature | Sulphur Buckwheat ($Eriogonum umbellatum$) | Common Buckwheat ($Fagopyrum esculentum$) |
|---|---|---|
| Family | Polygonaceae | Polygonaceae |
| Genus | Eriogonum | Fagopyrum |
| Primary Use | Ornamental, pollinator habitat, traditional medicine | Food crop (groats, flour, noodles) |
| Edibility | Non-toxic, but generally not considered edible in modern use | Widely consumed, gluten-free pseudocereal |
| Key Edible Part | Historically, seeds and leaves were used medicinally; not for modern culinary use | The seeds, or groats |
| Habitat | Native wildflower, western North America | Cultivated crop, grown worldwide |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to humans and pets, but consumption is not advised | Non-toxic, a safe and nutritious food |
The Role of Sulphur Buckwheat in the Ecosystem
Beyond the question of edibility, sulphur buckwheat is an incredibly important plant for the ecosystem. Its vibrant flowers provide a crucial food source for a variety of pollinators, particularly when other food sources are scarce. The seeds, too, are an essential food source for many birds and small mammals. For humans, its value lies in its use for xeriscaping and restoring native vegetation, not as a food source.
Why Caution is Key
Even though sulphur buckwheat is categorized as non-toxic, consuming any wild plant, particularly when you are not an expert in identification and preparation, is highly risky. Varieties of wild buckwheat can be very similar in appearance, and misidentification can lead to ingesting a potentially harmful plant. The best practice is to enjoy sulphur buckwheat for its ecological and aesthetic value, rather than considering it a food source.
Conclusion
In summary, while sulphur buckwheat ($Eriogonum umbellatum$) is not poisonous to humans or pets, it is not considered edible in the modern culinary sense and should not be consumed. Its history of medicinal use by indigenous cultures is distinct from its modern role as a beautiful and ecologically valuable native wildflower. The confusion around its edibility stems from its shared name with common buckwheat ($Fagopyrum esculentum$), a widely consumed pseudocereal. Foraging for this plant is not advised. Instead, appreciate its role in supporting pollinators and stabilizing ecosystems, and leave its traditional uses to those with deep ethnobotanical knowledge. If you are interested in growing an edible buckwheat, seek out certified seeds for common buckwheat from a reputable agricultural supplier.
Identification of Sulphur Buckwheat
If you encounter sulphur buckwheat in the wild, look for these key characteristics to help confirm its identity:
- Flowers: The flowers are tiny, yellow or cream-colored, and grouped in ball-like, umbrella-shaped clusters at the ends of slender stems.
- Foliage: Leaves are spoon-shaped, often with a fuzzy, grayish-green underside.
- Growth Habit: A low-growing, mat-forming perennial.
- Habitat: Thrives in dry, gravelly, or rocky soils in western North America.
Outbound Link
Learn more about native plants and restoration at the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
