Fallugia paradoxa (Apache Plume)

Fallugia paradoxa (Apache Plume) is a small, upright, deciduous to semi-evergreen, multi-branched shrub with slender, straw-colored, twiggy branches clad with small, pinnately lobed dark green leaves with silver undersides. In late spring and summer, loose clusters of delicate, white, five-petaled flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), bloom profusely. Rich in nectar, they attract bees and butterflies and contrast nicely against the dark foliage. They are followed by fluffy pink and then white seed heads said to resemble Apache headdress. They cover the tips of the branches for many months. An important forage plant for wild animals, this fine-textured southwestern native adds textural contrast and great architecture to the landscape. Apache plume is easy to grow and blooms the first year from seed. Heat and drought tolerant, it is perfect for the xeric landscape and good for erosion control.

• Grows up to 4-6 ft. tall (120-180 cm) and 5 ft. wide (150 cm).
• Performs best in full sun, in gravelly, sandy, dry, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant.
• Cut oldest woody stems to the ground to rejuvenate.
• Propagate by seed. Collect seeds in the fall and chill them for 3 months before sowing in the early spring.
• Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.