Eriogonum kennedyi var. purpusii

(Brandegee) Reveal

in P. A. Munz, Suppl. Calif. Fl., 67. 1968.

Common names: Purpus wild buckwheat
EndemicConservation concern
Basionym: Eriogonum purpusii Brandegee Bot. Gaz. 27: 457. 1899 (as purpusi)
Synonyms: Eriogonum kennedyi subsp. purpusii (Brandegee) Munz
Treatment appears in FNA Volume 5. Treatment on page 294. Mentioned on page 292.

Herbs, densely matted, 0.4–1.2 × 1–3 dm. Leaf blades elliptic, (0.25–)0.3–0.6 × 0.15–0.35 cm, white-tomentose on both surfaces, margins not revolute. Scapes 0.4–1 cm, glabrous or rarely floccose. Involucres 1.5–2 mm, glabrous or sparsely tomentose. Flowers 2–2.5 mm. Achenes 2.5–3 mm.


Phenology: Flowering May–Jul.
Habitat: Sandy flats and slopes, mixed sagebrush and grassland communities, pinyon, juniper, and Jeffrey pine woodlands
Elevation: 1500-2500 m

Discussion

Variety purpusii differs from other varieties of the species in its distribution disjunct to the north and east, and its more arid, desert-like habitat. It is common in Inyo and southern Mono counties of California, with scattered populations known near Inyokern in Kern County. In Nevada, it is known only from the Orchard Springs area of Esmeralda County. The bright white tomentum of the leaves is distinctive, and the low mats are sometimes used for dried decorations. Purpus wild buckwheat is an excellent rock-garden plant.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.
James L. Reveal +
(Brandegee) Reveal +
Eriogonum purpusii +
Purpus wild buckwheat +
Calif. +  and Nev. +
1500-2500 m +
Sandy flats and slopes, mixed sagebrush and grassland communities, pinyon, juniper, and Jeffrey pine woodlands +
Flowering May–Jul. +
in P. A. Munz, Suppl. Calif. Fl., +
Endemic +  and Conservation concern +
Eriogonum kennedyi subsp. purpusii +
Eriogonum kennedyi var. purpusii +
Eriogonum kennedyi +
variety +