Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat vs Silky Lupine - TreeTime.ca

Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat vs Silky Lupine

Eriogonum umbellatum

Lupinus sericeus

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat
Silky Lupine

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.

Silky Lupine is a native perennial wildflower known for its upright spikes of blue to violet flowers. Blooming from late spring into summer, the nectar-rich, showy blossoms attract a variety of pollinators, especially bees and butterflies. The plant’s fine, silky foliage provides soft texture and visual interest, enhancing landscapes throughout the growing season.

Silky Lupine is a nitrogen-fixing plant that enriches soils and supports surrounding vegetation. Its deep roots stabilize soil, and it spreads naturally by ejecting seeds from drying pods. If spread isn’t desired, new seedlings are easy to remove. While it is foraged by some wild animals, it contains alkaloids that are toxic to livestock. Silky Lupine is well-suited to pollinator gardens, naturalization plantings, erosion control, and ecological restoration projects.

Sulphur-Flower Buckwheat Quick Facts

Silky Lupine Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: upright to spreading, clump-forming
Growth form: clump-forming
Spreading: seeds - low
Spreading: seeds - high
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: toxic to sheep and other livestock
Foliage: leathery
Foliage: Silky-haired, palmately compound leaves
Fall colour: reddish bronze
Flowers: colour varies, typically white to yellow
Flowers: Blue to violet pea-like flowers
Bloom time: mid spring to mid summer
Bloom time: mid to late summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC
Native to: AB, BC
Other Names: sulphur buckwheat, sulphur flower, wild buckwheat