Krascheninnikovia lanata (Winterfat)

Long-lived and fast-growing, Krascheninnikovia lanata (Winterfat) is a low-growing, evergreen sub-shrub with a woody base and many slender, erect branches bearing small, lance-shaped, blue-green leaves. Both stems and foliage are covered in woolly white hairs which age to a reddish color. The leaves remain on the plant during winter and are shed when new leaves emerge in the spring or when the plant is water stressed. The flowers are inconspicuous with no petals and clustered in terminal spikes. The female flowers are borne inside four bracts with long silky white hairs. They give way to plumes of fluffy white seeds reminiscent of cotton candy sticks. Winterfat is an important winter forage for grazing domestic and wild animals. Drought tolerant, it is suitable for erosion control or revegetation purposes in alkaline areas. Prized for its silvery foliage, elegant habit, and striking, fruiting fuzzy heads, Winterfat makes an attractive addition to the landscape.

• Grows up to 1-3 ft. tall and wide (30-90 cm).
• Performs best in full sun, in well-drained, calcareous soils with low to moderate salt concentrations. It is not tolerant of acidic soils and does not tolerate flooding or extended wet conditions. Drought tolerant.
• Winterfat is good forage for sheep, pronghorn, elk, mule deer, and many small mammals and birds.
• Prune back in early spring for a bushy shape.
• Propagate with seed or softwood cuttings. Winterfat will bloom and produce fruits the first year from seed
• Native from California to west Texas, north to Canada, and Mexico.