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Arrow Weed

Pluchea sericea

false

1 gallon

Plant Care

Arrow Weed

Out of stock

16'

Sizes:

Native region:

Local Native

Water needs:

Low-Moderate

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

16'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Violet

Flower season:

Spring - Fall

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

20 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Rabbit-resistant:

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Yes

Arrowweed - Pluchea sericea

Violet flowers stand out against gray-green foliage in this rhizomatous evergreen shrub native to moist saline riparian desert areas, floodplains, and sandy washes where water is available from sea level to 3000 feet. Arrowweed forms dense, impenetrable thickets making it an excellent choice for a dense evergreen hedge. It blooms mostly from March through July but can flower year-round. This adaptable plant grows in a variety of soil types, including clay and very salty soils like those near the Salton Sea.

The strong, slender stems of arrowweed were traditionally used by the Cahuilla and other southern California peoples for making arrow shafts and shelter construction, including thatching for house walls. Young plant roots were roasted and eaten, and medicinally, arrowweed was used as a remedy for diarrhea and as an eyewash.

Its brightly colored tubular flowers, seeds, and dense cover attract hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, native bees, small mammals, and seed-eating birds, offering food, nectar, shelter, and protection.

Wildlife Value
Arrowweed supports local desert ecosystems by providing nectar and seeds for a variety of pollinators and birds.

Host Plant: Schinia intrabilis (a moth species)

Nectar Source: Over 10 species including Checkered White (Pontia protodice), Great Purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus), Western Pygmy Blue (Brephidium exilis), Mojave Sootywing (Hesperopsis libya), Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

Bird Resources: Nectar; Seeds; Nesting cover

Bird Species: Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna), Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae)

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!

Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.

Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.