This species is exceedingly variable and can be differentiated into several geographic and seasonal phases (C. C. Baskin et al. 1993; G. A. Fox 1989, 1990, 1990b). Variety abertianum (including E. pinetorum) is a more northern and western, summer- and fall-flowering expression, with an erect habit and a cymose-paniculate inflorescence when the plants are in fruit. A vernal phase (var. villosum) of this northern form occurs throughout much of the same range (mainly Arizona, New Mexico, and the Sonoran Desert of Mexico). It is a hairier and more spreading expression, with elongated inflorescence branches bearing more floriferous involucres. Variety ruberrimum (including E. cyclosepalum) is the more southern, summer- to fall-flowering expression (mainly New Mexico, Texas, and the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico) with a prostrate to spreading, compact habit and a racemose inflorescence at full maturity. There is a vernal expression of this as well; it differs from the vernal form of var. abertianum in having longer peduncles. There are no sharp morphologic or geographic boundaries for any of these expressions, and while the fruiting extremes are clearly distinguishable, far too many specimens are impossible to place satisfactorily.
The Navajo (Diné) people use these plants as a lotion for both themselves and their horses (P. A. Vestal 1952).
Eriogonum abertianum, with the common names Abert's buckwheat and Abert wild buckwheat, is a species of buckwheats in the family Polygonaceae.[1]
This annual herb is native to: Northern Mexico in Coahuila, Chihuahua, Sonora, and San Luis Potosí states; and the Southwestern United States within Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.[1][2]
It grows from 400–2,500 metres (1,300–8,200 ft) in elevation. Habitats it is found in include the Chihuahuan Desert and Sonoran Desert.[3]: 65
Eriogonum abertianum grows from 1–3 feet (0.30–0.91 m) in height and width.[1][2]
Its leaves are tomentose, and greenish, tawny, or reddish on both surfaces (1-4 × 1-3 cm).[2]
The 3–4.5 mm flowers are white, pink, or yellow.[2] It bloom period is year round.[1]
This species is a food source for adult Crescent Metalmark butterflies (Apodemia phyciodoides).[1] It is also of special value to native bees.[1]
Eriogonum abertianum, with the common names Abert's buckwheat and Abert wild buckwheat, is a species of buckwheats in the family Polygonaceae.
