Eriogonum pyrolifolium

Alpine Buckwheat

Alpine Buckwheat
aka Dirty Socks. For a relatively small plant, 8″ – 12″ (20 – 30 cm) across, it is anchored with a large strong taproot. The basal leaves are elliptic to oval, up to 1.5″ long, and are greenish-yellow. Often red, dried old leaves will be found at the base. The flowers are white to greenish-white to pinkish, are about 1/4″ long, in small tight umbels on stems 2″ – 4″ tall. They possess a smell worthy of its alternate name. Very common on rocky slopes between 5,500′ to 8,000′ elevation.

Family:

Polygonaceae - BUCKWHEAT FAMILY

Genus:

Eriogonum from Greek erion 'wool' and gony 'knee'

Species:

pyrolifolium from Latin pyrus, meaning 'pear' for pear-like leafs
Photo location: Burroughs Loop trail, Second Burroughs Mtn. and Mt. Fremont