The crop belongs to the family Polyganaceae, or buckwheat family. Other family members include weeds such as dock, sorrel, knotweed, and black bindweed. The crop is indeterminate so that the seeds do not all ripen at the same time. Blossoming continues as long as conditions permit. Buckwheat is cross-pollinated.
Insects are the major pollinators.
Buckwheat is an annual that can grow from 2 to 5 feet tall. The plant consists of a single, erect stem and usually has many branches. Leaf blades are 2 to 4 inches long and are triangular and heart-shaped. The plant has a shallow taproot and numerous short side roots. The root system seldom goes more than 3 feet deep.