Eriogonum umbellatum var. aureum - Kannah Creek

Bright yellow flower clusters rise above the low green cushion of Kannah Creek buckwheat, then warm toward orange as they age. The changing color keeps a dry border interesting after the freshest flowers have passed, while the small, leathery leaves provide a substantial mat beneath the airy stems. In cold weather, that foliage can take on rich purple-red tones, giving this little perennial another season to enjoy.

Selected from western Colorado and introduced through Plant Select, Kannah Creek® is the trade name for ‘Psdowns’. Expect a flowering height of about 12–16 inches and a spread of 18–24 inches, with bloom generally from late spring into early summer. Its scale suits rock gardens, sunny edges, and open spaces among small grasses and other low-water perennials. Bees and butterflies visit the flowers. Browse our groundcover collection for more plants that bring texture and seasonal color close to the ground.

Plant in full sun or part sun, in lean soil with good drainage. Water while it establishes, then reduce irrigation; frequent watering and heavily enriched, soggy soil are poor matches. Hardy in USDA Zones 3–8, it is a durable choice for cold-winter dry gardens. Deer generally leave it alone. Remove old flower stems in fall, or keep them for winter texture and tidy the plant in early spring.