Cushion Buckwheat,Eriogonum ovalifolium var. nivale
Family: Polygonaceae - BUCKWHEAT FAMILY
Genus: Eriogonum from Greek erion 'wool' and gony 'knee'
Species: ovalifolium means 'oval-leaf'
aka Oval-leaved Eriogonum. The creamy yellow flowers form a single round umbel about 1" in diameter atop stems which rise to 1.5" - 6" (3 - 15 cm). The stems are unbranched and have no leaves. The leaf blades are ovate to round, or spatula-shaped, and are silver-wooly to greenish. Uncommon in the Park and the plant found here on Crystal Peak does not display the dense leaf cushion of silvery leaves expected possibly suggesting a false identification. Found on rocky slopes at between 5000' to 8000' elevation. (ref. Biek, Strickler)
Trail Notes:
Trail/Hike: Crystal Peak
Date: July 13, 2008
Location: just below summit of Crystal Peak (photo)
