Flowers of the Southwest Deserts

by Natt N. Dodge

Eriogonum deflexum

Common names: SKELETONWEED, DESERT BUCKWHEAT Arizona desert: (Eriogonum densum). Pink. May-October. California desert: (Eriogonum deflexum). Pink-white. All year. Texas desert: (Eriogonum polycladon). Pink. June-November. Buckwheat family. Size: 6 inches to 30 inches high.

Eriogonum is a very large genus, many species of which are common, and contains both annuals and biennials. Although the flowers are small, they are usually numerous and conspicuous. E. densum is often very abundant in semi-desert areas, particularly along roadsides, where it is especially noticeable because it monopolizes the pavement edges for miles. It is extremely resistant to drought and flourishes when many other herbaceous plants have dried out completely. Although it bears flowers at almost any time throughout the year, during the autumn months the branches are loaded with myriads of pendant, pearly flowers the size of rice kernels. In winter, the stalks turn maroon in color and are quite conspicuous.

E. polycladon is often so common along roadsides and desert washes as to color the landscape with its greyish stems and pink flowers.

E. inflatum always attracts attention because of its swollen stems which resemble tall, slender bottles.

PINK