Pluchea sericea
arrowweed
Southwestern United States and northern Mexico
Overview
Pluchea sericea is an upright deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub in the sunflower family that grows 3-10 feet (1-3 m) tall, spreading by root suckers into dense thickets. The slender, wand-like stems are covered, like the leaves, in silky silver-gray hairs that give the plant a pale, shimmering look. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves are 0.75-2 inches (2-5 cm) long, pressed upward along the stems and angled like arrowheads, the source of the name arrowweed. In late spring and summer the stems are tipped with small rose-pink to purple flower heads in flat-topped clusters, each head packed with tiny disk florets. The shrub grows along desert streams, springs, washes, and the edges of alkaline and saline flats, where its roots reach reliable moisture. It tolerates salty, alkaline soils that exclude many plants and forms colonies that stabilize stream banks. The spreading roots can travel well beyond the original planting, so it can overtake nearby ground in irrigated or moist settings.
Native Range
Pluchea sericea is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, including California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas. It grows along desert streams, springs, washes, and alkaline flats where moisture is within reach of its roots.Suggested Uses
Pluchea sericea is used for bank stabilization, erosion control, and habitat plantings along desert streams and in saline or alkaline soils. It forms screening thickets in large, moist sites. Its spreading habit suits restoration and wild areas more than small gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 10'
Width/Spread4' - 12'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
rose-pink to purpleFoliage Description
silver-grayGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight