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Monday, November 22, 2021

Advice from Owlie – California Buckwheat

Q: Dear Owlie,

I recently visited the Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park. There were so many really cool plants, but one specifically stood out to me. It was red AND white, and it had what looked like little bunches of flowers. The last time I was at the park, I remember seeing it, but it was only a dark red color. 

Now, it looks a little different, but I know it is the same plant. Do you know what plant this is Owlie?

Sincerely,

Plant Power


A: Dear Plant Power,

I agree, there are so many amazing plants in the park! We have 1.7 miles of trails with about 22,000 various water-wise plants throughout the park.

The one you are referring to sounds like California Buckwheat! California Buckwheat is a water-wise plant species that is native to California. As you mentioned, this plant can look different in each season.

In the summer and fall when it is hot and dry out, it can be seen looking mostly dark red (pictured in the top left circle). Sometimes it will have a few white flowers, but not as many as it has during the spring. Towards the end of fall and winter, it can be seen as dark red and white, just as you described (pictured in the middle circle). During the end of winter and through spring, it can be seen looking mostly white and pink (pictured in the top right circle).

Butterflies and bees love California Buckwheat! You can find them on California Buckwheat throughout the year, but will see a lot of them during the springtime when its flowers are white and pink.

This is a really cool plant to keep an eye out for as you visit the park throughout each season to watch it change colors!

Talk to you all soo(HOO)n!

Owlie