Buckwheat

Buckwheat is a fast-growing, annual broadleaf grain that is highly valued as a pollinator crop for honey bees, producing a large number of flowers. It is also favored by wildlife; for instance, whitetail deer find the tender shoots quite appealing and actively seek them out. Buckwheat establishes quickly and can reach maturity in as little as 70 to 90 days. This plant can grow in temperatures as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit, but optimal growth occurs at or above 55 degrees. However, buckwheat is sensitive to frost and will not survive even light frosts.