Description
Form:
A low-rounded shrub.
Lifespan:
Perennial.
Leaf retention:
Evergreen.
Growth rate:
Slow to rapid depending on water.
Mature Size:
1-6' tall and 1-8' wide.
Flowers:
White to pale pink, tiny, in fluffy dense clusters, at branch tips.
The flowers turn brown and dry as they age, remaining on the plant.
Bloom:
Spring, and sporadically through summer into early fall.
Fruit:
A small, hard capsule containing one seed.
Leaves:
Gray-green, small, narrow, leathery, densely covered in fine hairs underneath, clustered along
the stem.
Stems:
Herbaceous, rapidly becoming woody.
Roots:
Fibrous, 5-8' deep and up to three times the width of the plant above ground.
Wildlife:
The flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Toxic / Danger:
No.
Origin:
California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Mexico.
Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones:
Heat tolerant:
Yes.
Drought tolerant:
Yes.
Sun:
Full sun.
Planting:
Locate in full sun in dry, well-draining soil. This is an important bee plant.
Soil:
Very well drained, dry, low in organic content. This plant tolerates alkaline soil.
Water after becoming established:
Once a month. More water results in better appearance. Consistently wet soil causes root rot.
Mulch:
Never.
Prune:
Lightly cut back on top every few years. Pruning is generally unnecessary.
Litter:
Low.
Propagation:
Seed and cuttings.
Uses:
Ornamental, erosion control, xeric garden, bee garden.
Comments
This plant is a member of the Buckwheat family (Polygonaceae).
Do you have additional information or a different experience for these plants that you would
like to share? Email info@GardenOracle.com. All contributions are welcome and appreciated.