Ashyleaf buckwheat is a dense evergreen shrub mounding 4-5 ft. tall and to 6 ft. wide. Foliage is comprised of small leaves that are 1 in. long, medium green above and very white below. Attractive flowers are light pink and occur in numerous ball-like clusters above the foliage from late spring through summer. Ashyleaf buckwheat is common to exposed bluffs and coastal foothills in coastal strand and coastal sage scrub communities, from Los Angeles to Monterey County. It tolerates salt spray, wind and well-drained soils.
This colorful species is highly suited for planting on slopes and in mixed California native plantings for restoration and wildlife value. When planted in the Inland Empire, it shows good adaptability to full sun and low amounts of summer water. This plant provides soft foliage and flowering character and easily hugs boulders and flows over banks.