Slough Grass vs Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat - TreeTime.ca

Slough Grass vs Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat

Eriogonum umbellatum

Beckmannia syzigachne

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat
Slough Grass

Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat is a native perennial wildflower known for its dense clusters of cream to yellow flowers. The long-lasting blooms persist from late spring into summer, providing an extended nectar source for a variety of pollinators. The flower buds are often red-tinted before opening. As the blooms age, they shift to orange or red, adding seasonal interest and making them well-suited to dried flower arrangements. Its seeds are also eaten by birds, adding to its ecological value.

Depending on climate and conditions, Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat may be evergreen to semi-evergreen, or its foliage may turn red during fall. Its deep roots and spreading growth stabilize rocky or sandy soils, making it useful for erosion control. Exceptionally hardy once established, it requires little care and thrives in challenging environments, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, naturalization, and ecological restoration projects.

Slough Grass is a hardy grass that will happily grow in any wet soil. It is usually found near water and is common haymaking material or forage.

Slough Grass is also useful for erosion control and land reclamation.

Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat Quick Facts

Slough Grass Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: upright to spreading, clump-forming
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: none


Foliage: leathery
Foliage: thin, tubular
Fall colour: reddish bronze
Flowers: colour varies, typically white to yellow
Flowers: yellowish, green
Bloom time: mid spring to mid summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT
Other Names: sulphur buckwheat, sulphur flower, wild buckwheat
Other Names: sloughgrass, western slough grass