Brownplume Wirelettuce
(Stephanomeria pauciflora)
Brownplume Wirelettuce (Stephanomeria pauciflora)
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Cecelia Alexander
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Cecelia Alexander
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CC0 1.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Cecelia Alexander | License Type: CC0 1.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Uploader: aspidoscelis | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Stephanomeria pauciflora, commonly known as Brownplume Wirelettuce, is a perennial herb or bushy subshrub native to arid regions, including deserts, scrublands, and open grasslands in the Southwestern United States and Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and takes on a rounded but vertical form with sturdy, stiff stems and many spreading branches. The plant is characterized by its narrow, lance-shaped leaves and its production of small, fluffy seed heads that resemble plumes. The flowers, which bloom in the spring, summer, and fall, are usually white, pink, purple, or cream and are not particularly showy, but they do attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Brownplume Wirelettuce is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings in arid climates. It is also used for restoration projects in its native range due to its adaptability. This plant requires minimal maintenance, preferring full sun exposure and soils with fast drainage. While it is not commonly found in traditional garden settings, its resilience and unique form can add interest to rock gardens and desert landscapes. It is rarely affected by diseases or pests, but overwatering can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Brownplume Wirelettuce is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings in arid climates. It is also used for restoration projects in its native range due to its adaptability. This plant requires minimal maintenance, preferring full sun exposure and soils with fast drainage. While it is not commonly found in traditional garden settings, its resilience and unique form can add interest to rock gardens and desert landscapes. It is rarely affected by diseases or pests, but overwatering can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White, Pink, Purple, Cream
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to arid regions, including deserts, scrublands, and open grasslands in the Southwestern United States
Other Names
Common Names: Prairie Skeletonplant, Brownplume, Few-Flowered Wirelettuce, Wire Lettuce
Scientific Names: , Stephanomeria pauciflora, Stephanomeria pauciflora var. pauciflora, Lygodesmia pauciflora, Stephanomeria cinerea, Ptiloria pauciflora, Stephanomeria lygodesmoides, Stephanomeria pauciflora var. parishii, Prenanthes pauciflora, Ptiloria cinerea
GBIF Accepted Name: Stephanomeria pauciflora (Torr.) A.Nelson