Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Pluchea sericea, commonly called Arrowweed, is a rhizomatous evergreen shrub of riparian areas in the lower Sonoran Desert and surrounding areas. It is common in the lower Colorado River valley of California, Nevada and Arizona, as far east as Texas, and in northern Mexico where it often forms dense impenetrable thickets. It was once used medicinally by Native Americans as an antidiarrheal and eyewash. Other traditional uses include thatching, arrowmaking and food, especially the edible root.

Plant type

Shrub

Size

16 ft Tall

Dormancy

Evergreen

Calscape icon
Color

Pink

Flowering season

Spring, Summer

Sun

Full Sun

Water

Low, Moderate

Soil drainage

Medium

Soil description

Prefers coarse to medium-textured soils.

Site type

Stream bottoms, washes and wet places

Plant communities

Coastal Sage Scrub, Creosote Bush Scrub, Wetland-Riparian

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

1 confirmed and 2 likely

Confirmed Likely

Schinia intrabilis

Southern Emerald

Synchlora frondaria