• A close-up of the delicate, clustered blooms of Cushion Umbrella Plant (Eriogonum androsaceum), showing pale yellow flowers tinged with pink. These tiny blossoms sit atop a dense mat of silvery-green foliage, built to withstand harsh alpine conditions.
  • A small patch of Cushion Umbrella Plant (Eriogonum androsaceum) in bloom, its upright stems topped with creamy white flower clusters. The low-growing, fuzzy-leaved foliage forms a dense ground cover, perfect for rocky slopes and well-drained soil.
  • A sprawling cushion of Cushion Umbrella Plant (Eriogonum androsaceum), covered in a sea of soft yellow flower clusters. This drought-tolerant beauty thrives in alpine gardens, offering structure and delicate blooms well into the season.
  • A striking image of Cushion Umbrella Plant (Eriogonum androsaceum) transitioning to autumn, its compact foliage shifting to soft pink, orange and red tones. This evergreen mat provides year-round interest, even as the seasons change.
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Wild About Flowers

Eriogonum androsaceum - Cushion Umbrella Plant

Eriogonum androsaceum - Cushion Umbrella Plant

$6.75 CAD
$6.75 CAD
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Cushion Umbrella Plant is a compact, drought-tolerant perennial with dense clusters of creamy white flowers that gradually fade to pink as they mature. Blooming from late spring through summer, it offers a long-lasting nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its low, cushion-like form and small, leathery, blue-green leaves ”flushing bright orange in the fall” make it a striking addition to rock gardens, xeriscapes, and dry prairie plantings.

Exceptionally resilient, it excels at erosion control on slopes and disturbed sites, thriving in dry, rocky soils with minimal moisture. Found on alpine meadows, well-drained grasslands, and arid slopes, it performs well in both rural and urban settings where tough, attractive, low-maintenance plants are needed. The dense mat-forming habit and leathery foliage offer limited appeal to browsing animals, making it naturally resistant to deer in most settings.

How Easy Is This Plant to Grow?

Germination Difficulty: Intermediate
Growing Difficulty: Experienced
Speed of Growth: Slow
Age to First Bloom: 3-4

Plant Sizes & Blooming Window

Important Information - The "Plant Sizes" are provided as a general guideline for plant selection. The "Blooming Window" indicates the general period when the species is in bloom, not how long an individual plant will flower.

Plant growth and bloom times will vary depending on geographical location & individual site conditions. Please scroll down to see the specific information for this plant.

Edible & Medicinal Info Disclaimer

The Edible & Medicinal information on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be acted on without thorough research and professional guidance. We are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of or misidentification of plants.

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Plant Specifics

Seeds Per Pack

Seed packs are currently unavailable.

Light Conditions

  • Sun

Soil Conditions

  • Well Drained
  • Sandy
  • Gravelly
  • Seasonally Moist

Height

  • Under 6"

Width

  • Under 6"
  • Under 12"

Bloom Colour

  • White
  • Pink

Month of Bloom

  • June
  • July
  • August

Vigorousness

  • Moderate
  • Slow

Deer Resistance

  • High

Features

  • Butterflies
  • Bees
  • Long Bloom Time
  • Attractive Seed Heads
  • Fall Color
  • Urban Spaces
  • Rural Spaces
  • Medicinal Properties
  • Good in Containers

Chinook Exposure

  • Fully Exposed

Distribution Info

Native to western Canada and some northern states, Cushion Umbrella Plant is found throughout AB, SK and BC, and is found in the western U.S.

Traditional Edible & Medicinal Info

Eriogonum androsaceum was traditionally used by Indigenous peoples as an anti-inflammatory infusion for sore throats and fevers, while crushed leaves were applied to cuts and skin irritations for wound care. It was also used to ease mild stomach discomfort, and though not toxic, excessive consumption may cause digestive upset.