Desert Princesplume

(Stanleya pinnata)

Desert Princesplume (Stanleya pinnata)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Stanleya pinnata, commonly known as Desert Princesplume, is a perennial subshrub or herb that is deciduous, native to arid regions such as desert washes, rocky slopes, and sagebrush steppe in the Southwestern and Central USA, Mexico, and the Rocky Mountains. It can reach up to 1.5 meters (4+11⁄12 ft) in height, with several erect, unbranched, hairless stems that have a waxy texture and woody bases. The plant is topped with a long, dense raceme of many bright yellow flowers, each with four narrow yellowish sepals and four petals up to 2 cm long, with protruding stamens that may reach 3 cm in length. The fruit is a distinctive curving silique up to 8 cm long. Flowering occurs from late spring to early summer, and the flowers are quite showy, attracting pollinators.

Desert Princesplume is valued for its striking yellow flowers and its adaptability to arid conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings in dry climates. It is also used in restoration projects and as an ornamental in rock gardens. This plant thrives in full sun and requires low to medium amounts of water, preferring well-drained soils. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 1.5-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

native to arid regions such as desert washes, rocky slopes, and sagebrush steppe in the Southwestern and Central USA, Mexico, and the Rocky Mountains

Other Names

Common Names: Desert Prince’s-Plume, Golden Prince’s-Plume, Prince’s-Plume

Scientific Names: , Stanleya pinnata, Cleome pinnata, Stanleya pinnata var. pinnata, Stanleya pinnata subsp. pinnata, Stanleya pinnatifida, Stanleya pinnata subsp. inyoensis, Stanleya pinnata var. inyoensis, Stanleya arcuata, Stanleya glauca

GBIF Accepted Name: Stanleya pinnata (Pursh) Britton