[Illustration: Eriogonum deflexum]
Common names: SKELETONWEED, DESERT BUCKWHEAT
Arizona desert: (_Eriogonum densum_). Pink. May-October.
California desert: (_Eriogonum deflexum_). Pink-white. All year.
Texas desert: (_Eriogonum polycladon_). Pink. June-November.
Buckwheat family. Size: 6 inches to 30 inches high.
_Eriogonum_ is a very large genus, many species of which are common, and
contains both annuals and biennials. Although the flowers are small,
they are usually numerous and conspicuous. _E. densum_ is often very
abundant in semi-desert areas, particularly along roadsides, where it is
especially noticeable because it monopolizes the pavement edges for
miles. It is extremely resistant to drought and flourishes when many
other herbaceous plants have dried out completely. Although it bears
flowers at almost any time throughout the year, during the autumn months
the branches are loaded with myriads of pendant, pearly flowers the size
of rice kernels. In winter, the stalks turn maroon in color and are
quite conspicuous.
_E. polycladon_ is often so common along roadsides and desert washes as
to color the landscape with its greyish stems and pink flowers.
_E. inflatum_ always attracts attention because of its swollen stems
which resemble tall, slender bottles.