Family:
Polygonaceae
Toxic Parts:
all
Toxins:
phenolic compounds, fagopyricin
Flower Color:
  • flower color
Found:
meadows, agricultral, gardens

Time of Greatest Risk

JFMAMJJASOND

Geographical Distribution

Buckwheat distribution - United States

Related Species

Buckwheat

Fagopyrum esculentum

Common Buckwheat
3/ 10
Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is an annual herb which originated in Eurasia and member of the Polygonaceae plant family.

Appearance
Buckwheat has finely haired stems which grow to a height of 20-60 cm.
  • Leaves: Broadly triangular-arrow-shaped, alternate, lower leaves are long-stalked.
  • Flowers: White to pink, 5 petals, 8 stamens, an inflorescence of dense compact clusters at the top of the plant.
  • Fruit: dry, 1-seeded achene 0.5-0.7 cm long, smooth, shiny, 3-angled. They bloom between June-Sept.

Toxic components
Buckwheat can cause photosensitivity in horses, resulting from exposure to a chemical known as fagopyrin, which is found in buckwheat. Buckwheat leaves contain the highest amounts.