Cushion or
Oval Leafed Buckwheat
The cushion buckwheat is a matted plant with basal leaves and tiny flowers, and
it ranges from one to twelve inches in height. These heads grow from a long,
leafless stem, and they are about one inch wide. The tiny flowers, which make up
the head, are five-toothed cups, and each one is about 1/8 inch long with six
petal-like segments. The leaves range from a half an inch to five inches in
length. They vary from short and spatula-shaped without stalks, to long-stalked
with round blades. The round heads the flowers range in colors from red to
purple and cream. The species takes
several forms and there are a half a dozen taxonomic varieties. Although
color varies, all are characterized by their tightly formed heads and small oval
leaves. Color also varies with location,
season, maturity, and genetic variation, for the varieties tend to interbreed.
The cushion buckwheat blooms during the months of May through August. The
cushion buckwheat grows in open areas from Rocky Mountain slopes to sagebrush
plains, and coniferous woodland.
