Thanks Rodney. It didn't even occur to me a forum might already exist but now I know!

Did you find out what it is?

Hi Jean. The 'Name That Plant' forum came through almost immediately(and helped with an even more interesting plant I found in the garden---datura or Jimson's weed). But yes, this plant is buckwheat. I don't know how rare or common the variegation of the leaves is but normal leaves can be found on the same plant---there are some in the picture. Unless something happens, I am going to let it seed and see what happens. :)

interesting, I thought the variegation was actually shadows. I currently have buckwheat growing in half of my veggie garden, it's gotta be 4 feet tall. The flower attracts beneficial insects and it helps with weed prevention when planted in masses. For my purposes, it needs to be tilled after flowering so as to not go to seed or else it will just keep repeating the growing pattern. Although you probably wouldn't mind that since you just have a little there.

I suspect the only reason I do not have more buckwheat is because I tilled the garden vigorously before planting. If it goes to seed, it is right at the edge of the box so will likely spill out into the yard. Cilantro did the same last year and now I have cilantro without any effort while also not taking up any garden space. Win/win for everyone. Such flowering plants may be why I have had great returns with zucchini pollination---I get the sense from reading that squash returns vary greatly without pollinators. If the same holds true for winter squash, I will be making lots of butternut stew.