Eriogonum giganteum / St. Catherine's Lace

The giant of our Native Buckwheats, St. Catherine's Lace is a big, beautiful shrub that is one of the few California Native plants found on the U.C. Davis Arboretum All Star List (ask us about this Amazing program!).  The silvery-gray leaves make this a beautiful plant all year, while large (or Gi-normous) flower clusters typical of Buckwheats show up for months, starting white and aging to a rusty-red. The contrast of dried flowers on gray leaves is very striking, and the fresh OR dried flowers are beautiful in cut-flower arrangements. Fast growing, expect St. Catherines Lace to reach 4-6 feet high and wide in a year or 2. Tolerates HOT-HOT conditions, but also works well next to the coast.  Low water (if any) during the Summer, and survives in clay soil if it drains decently.  Originally found only on our Channel Islands, this unique and formal plant works well on slopes, as a focal point or as a medium-sized screen.