1. Arrow Weed – Pluchea sericea
(PLOO-shuh ser-IS-ee-a)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: Southwestern U.S. to Texas, NW Mexico; frequent in wet places, coastal sage scrub,
creosote bush scrub from mountains to deserts. Forms thickets in stream bottoms, washes, canyons,
around springs, sometimes in saline areas.
perennial shrub
mature height: 3-7 ft. + mature width: 3-8 ft.
Upright woody shrub with several long, straight, stiff stems per plant. Leaves green to gray-green,
linear & willow-like. In nature forms thickets in the wettest areas.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms Mar-July. Small lavender flowers clustered at ends of branches.
Seeds have fluffy hairs to aid in wind dispersal.
Blooms/fruits:
bloom.
Showy in
Uses in the garden: Similar to Mule Fat. Excellent in large pots or planters, narrow beds.
along streambeds, beside ponds, other moist places.
for arrow shafts and for building.
Quite hardy.
Good
Native Californians used stems
Sensible substitute for: Non-native woody shrubs
Excellent bird habitat: provides cover, nesting sites and food, including for Southwestern
Willow Flycatcher. Native pollinators, beetles and other insects also utilize plant extensively.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun (probably also fine in light shade)
Any texture and local pH; even tolerates salty soils, poorly-drained soils.
Takes winter flooding. Looks best with occasional summer water, but is very
drought tolerant.
none
Plant is easy to grow. May become invasive with adequate water.
severely in fall to rejuvenate plant (as needed; probably every 4-5 years).
Management:
Cut back
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed; keep moist
by cuttings: easy; use last-years stems; soak
in water for a week before planting in pots. Keep moist to promote rooting.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 8, 10, 13, 14, 20, 24
2/25/11
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