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Eriogonum giganteum - Polygonaceae - 'St. Catherine's Lace,' 'Catalina Buckwheat.' - The native plants of California's Channel Islands are often remarkable for their large size, and this denizen of Santa Catalina Island is no exception. The largest of our Wild Buckwheats, this is easy and beautiful for the garden, as well as being beneficial for birds and butterflies as well. The tall lacy network of flowers makes an attractive mound above the round foliage, and after the long summer flowering season, the flowers fade to an attractive rusty red, lessening the need for deadheading. Also the seeds provide nutritious food for local birds and other small animals.

Although native to coastal habitats, this grows equally well in the scorching interior heat. St. Catherine's Lace is perfectly drought hardy, requiring no supplemental water once established. It grows to 5' tall and 4' wide in flower, receding to a woody base of wooly gray leaves in the winter. Will tolerate brief drops to 15ºF with no damage- lower lows may damage it but not kill it, as long as the humidity is low.