Critically Imperiled Plant Profile (Not Listed or Proposed under the Endangered Species Act)
Eriogonum microthecum var. johnstonii. Photo by Naomi Fraga, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden.
Johnston’s buckwheat is restricted to the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains of southern California, where it grows in dry, rocky places above 8,500 feet elevation. Photo by Naomi Fraga, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden.
Eriogonum microthecum var. johnstonii. Photo by Naomi Fraga, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden.
In wild buckwheats, flower color often changes to pink or red following pollination; this may be true for Johnston’s buckwheat, although it has not been documented in the literature. Photo by Naomi Fraga, Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden.
Eriogonum microthecum var. johnstonii range map.
Eriogonum microthecum var. johnstonii, Johnston's buckwheat
Threats
- Known from fewer than ten extant occurrences in Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties.
- Although most of these are in designated wilderness areas, threats include foot traffic.