Santa Fe Botanical Garden

Common name: Apache plume, ponil

Family: Rosaceae (Rose)

Distribution: Southwestern United States, Mexico

Habitat: Canyons, arroyos, open woodlands, roadsides

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5 (-20 to -10 °F)

Life form: Deciduous shrub/sub-shrub

Occurrence in New Mexico: New Mexico native plant

Natural History/Ethnobotany: It is important forage and provides cover and nesting sites for wildlife.

Growing Conditions: The native habitat of Apache plume extends from central California east through the southern parts of Nevada, Utah, and Colorado to southern Oklahoma; and throughout Arizona and New Mexico to west Texas; and as far south as northern Mexico. This low to middle elevation shrub is typically found at elevations from 3,500-8,000 feet. Large stands or thickets are often seen along roadsides, on the sides of canyons and in alluvial soils of washes. It also grows in open woodlands. It is not particular about soil, and will grow in sand, loam, clay, gravelly, rocky and caliche-type soils. This cold and heat tolerant plant grows in sun or partial sun. It needs only a low amount of water, but will thrive with a moderate amount of water in well-drained soil. It seeds aggressively, and seeds have achenes with “plumes” that aid in wind dispersal. It is good for erosion control, but may become too aggressive in optimum conditions. Woody stems can be cut to the ground to rejuvenate the plant.

Description: Apache plume typically grows 3-5 feet tall but sometimes more. It has thicket-like growth, with upright central stems, arching outer stems, and numerous shoots growing from its roots. Mature stems have flaky bark, and branchlets and the undersides of the leaves are covered with white wooly hairs. The leaves are divided into tiny divisions, resembling Purshia stansburiana, but the leaves are much thinner and less resinous. The leaves are retained on the plant in winter in some climates. Showy, white 2-inch rose-like flowers, with 5 petals and numerous yellow stamens, may be produced all summer if there is adequate moisture. Its fruits have long pinkish-purple feathery plumes.