Purshia tridentata (Antelope Bitterbrush)

Well adapted to desert life, Purshia tridentata (Antelope Bitterbrush) is a deciduous, sometimes evergreen, shrub with intricately branched stems. The shrub shape can vary considerably, being either nearly prostrate or columnar. From late spring to mid-summer, a profusion of small, creamy-yellow star flowers are borne singly at the ends of the branches and literally cover the shrub. These desert flowers attract bees and butterflies and are followed by fuzzy short-tailed nutlets. The thick and small leaves are deeply three-cleft and roll inward in scorching weather, exposing the grayish, densely hairy underside. Antelope Bitterbrush survives on rocky and arid sites due to its long taproots and nitrogen-fixing capacity. It is palatable to all types of livestock and wildlife and is often a critical browse for mule deer in winter. Antelope Bitterbrush has been used extensively in land reclamation. This desert shrub enhances succession by retaining soil and depositing organic material and by fixing nitrogen. In the landscape, it adds texture, light, and contrast and offsets colorful plants.

• Grows up to 2-6 ft. tall 60-180 cm) and 4-6 ft. wide (120-180 cm).
• Thrives in dry, rocky soils in full sun. Tolerates poor soil. Drought tolerant once established. Although it is native to arid places, it can tolerate garden conditions as long as drainage is good.
• Great for banks and slopes (erosion control), hedges and windbreaks, or butterfly gardens.
• No serious pest or disease issues. May be heavily browsed by deer
• Prune regularly to promote health, provide air circulation, maintain a desirable shape, and remove dead or damaged branches.
• Propagate by seed with winter stratification or layering.
• Native to western North America from southeastern British Columbia in the north, east to Montana, and south to California and New Mexico.
• Discover 50 Colorado wildflowers for every season