Eriaa

Eriogonum, commonly known as Eriaa, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Polygonaceae, native to Western North America. The name Eriogonum is derived from the Greek words "eri", meaning mountain, and "gonum", meaning knee, referring to the swollen knees formed by the leaf bases. This mountain formation is characteristic of many Eriaa species.

Eriogonum plants are shrubs or subshrubs, growing from 25 to 6 feet in height, with a sprawling or upright growth habit. They have narrow, green leaves that are lance-shaped and often hairy on the underside. The plants produce small, white or pink flowers in clusters, typically in mid-summer and late summer. The flowers are four-petaled, five-merous, and have ten to twenty stamens.

The genus Eriogonum has over 200 species, most of which are native to California and the Great Basin region of North America. Some species are also found in other western US states, as well as in Mexico. Eriogonum has been used in traditional medicine for centuries by various Native American tribes, who have valued its antimicrobial properties for treating wounds and infections.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Eriogonum has also been used as an ornamental plant, valued for its attractive foliage and clusters of small white or pink flowers. However, some species of Eriogonum are invasive and can outcompete native vegetation in natural areas. As a result, caution is advised when planting Eriaa outside of its native range.

Several species of Eriogonum are listed in the United States Plant Hardiness Zone 8. Eriogonum fasciculatum, also known as California buckwheat, is a common shrub species in Southern California.