This evergreen member of the rose family bears a strong resemblance to Apache plume (Fallugia paradoxa) but becomes more treelike. As it matures, it develops a unique, irregular, twisted form. Although it has the potential to grow to 15 feet tall, it is quite slow growing, and most plants are only 5 to 6 feet tall. The small leaves are dark green above and woolly white below. They have tiny red glandular dots, unlike those of Apache plume. Fragrant creamy yellow flowers cover the shrub in spring and summer. In the fall, fruit with long feathery plumes glow when backlit by the sun. Cliff rose is very long-lived and drought tolerant, but demands well-drained soil. Native on dry slopes of the southwestern U.S., it is very useful as a landscape plant in high desert regions.
Purshia mexicana (Cliff Rose)
Purshia mexicana
Cliff Rose
This evergreen member of the rose family bears a strong resemblance to Apache plume (Fallugia paradoxa) but becomes more treelike. As it matures, it develops a unique, irregular, twisted form. Although it has the potential to grow to 15 feet tall, it is quite slow growing, and most plants are only 5 to 6 feet tall. The small leaves are dark green above and woolly white below. They have tiny red glandular dots, unlike those of Apache plume. Fragrant creamy yellow flowers cover the shrub in spring and summer. In the fall, fruit with long feathery plumes glow when backlit by the sun. Cliff rose is very long-lived and drought tolerant, but demands well-drained soil. Native on dry slopes of the southwestern U.S., it is very useful as a landscape plant in high desert regions.
| Plant Type | Shrub |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 4 (-30° F) |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Flower Season | Spring, Summer |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Height | 5 (ft) |
| Spread | 8 (ft) |
| Spacing | 5' (ft) |
| Characteristics | Evergreen |
| Attracts | Bees, Birds, Wildlife |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Mass Planting |
| Tolerance | Dry Soil, Heat |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil PH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Image by: Wiki Commons
Image by: MSWN
This catalog is for reference purposes. Plants may not be available at all times in the nursery. Please check with our store for current availability.
