Eriogonum cinereum is a mounding shrub native to coastal scrub in Southern California, occurring naturally from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles counties. Its woolly, gray-green leaves give the plant its common name, and dense clusters of small white to pale pink flowers appear from summer into fall, drawing native bees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps in large numbers.
Once established it requires little to no supplemental water and thrives in poor, sandy, or rocky soils with fast drainage. Heavy clay or regularly irrigated beds lead quickly to root rot and plant death. Light pruning after the main flowering period maintains a tidy mound and encourages fresh growth; cutting back into old leafless wood is best avoided. The plant handles coastal wind and light salt spray, making it well suited to exposed slopes and erosion-prone sites.
Eriogonum cinereum functions as a keystone plant in coastal sage scrub, providing nectar and pollen for dozens of native bee species and serving as a larval host for several native butterflies including the Acmon blue and Bernardino dotted-blue.
Phytophthora Root Rot
Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and dark, decayed roots and crown tissue. Vines may collapse during hot weather.
Plant in well-draining soil and avoid waterlogging. Remove and destroy affected vines. Improve drainage with raised beds or amended soil and avoid overwatering.