Arrowweed
(Pluchea sericea)
Arrowweed (Pluchea sericea)
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Millie Basden
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Millie Basden
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Millie Basden | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Millie Basden | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-03-17T12:31:01-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Pluchea sericea, commonly known as Arrowweed, is an evergreen shrub native to riparian zones, wetlands, and marshy areas in the Southwest USA, California, and Baja California. It typically grows to a height and width of 3-6 feet, often forming dense, impenetrable thickets. This perennial shrub thrives along watercourses and in moist habitats, playing a crucial role in stabilizing streambanks and providing wildlife habitat.
Arrowweed is characterized by its narrow, lance-shaped leaves and its ability to withstand periodic flooding. It produces clusters of small, pink flowers that bloom in the fall, spring, and summer, adding a splash of color to the landscape. The flowers are modestly showy and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. In cultivation, Arrowweed is valued for its water tolerance and is often used for erosion control, habitat restoration, and natural landscaping in wet areas. It requires full sun to part shade and thrives in soils with fast drainage, although it can tolerate a range of soil types as long as there is adequate moisture. Arrowweed is relatively low-maintenance, but gardeners should be aware that it can spread aggressively through its rhizomes, potentially becoming invasive in ideal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Arrowweed is characterized by its narrow, lance-shaped leaves and its ability to withstand periodic flooding. It produces clusters of small, pink flowers that bloom in the fall, spring, and summer, adding a splash of color to the landscape. The flowers are modestly showy and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. In cultivation, Arrowweed is valued for its water tolerance and is often used for erosion control, habitat restoration, and natural landscaping in wet areas. It requires full sun to part shade and thrives in soils with fast drainage, although it can tolerate a range of soil types as long as there is adequate moisture. Arrowweed is relatively low-maintenance, but gardeners should be aware that it can spread aggressively through its rhizomes, potentially becoming invasive in ideal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Width: 3-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink
- Flowering Season: Fall, Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to riparian zones, wetlands, and marshy areas in the lower Sonoran Desert and adjacent regions
Other Names
Common Names: Cachanilla, Arrow-Weed
Scientific Names: , Pluchea sericea, Tessaria sericea, Tessaria borealis, Pluchea borealis, Berthelotia sericea, Eremohylema sericea, Polypappus sericeus,
GBIF Accepted Name: Pluchea sericea (Nutt.) Coville