James' Buckwheat, Antelope Sage,Eriogonum jamesii,Buckwheat Family (Polygonaceae)

Found in dry open rocky areas
Seen blooming in August in the Rio Chama Recreation Area

At least nine members of the Buckwheat family grow in our area. James’ Buckwheat grows to 12" high with woody, branched stems. Leaves are spatula shaped and grow to 4" long in a basal rosette with long stalks. They are green on their upper side and densely hairy and silvery white below. The tiny flowers grow in round clusters and are creamy white and hairy underneath. Some Native American Indian tribes used this plant as a contraceptive and to ease the pain of childbirth. The root has been chewed as a cardiac medicine, as a treatment for stomach aches and to treat despondency. An infusion has also been used as a wash for sore eyes and the plant chewed to sweeten the saliva. Source.
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