Antelope bush is at home in the dry grasslands of the upland scrub and oak/ juniper forests and will grow about 3-6’ tall. The foliage resembles that of our native cliffrose, with small, 3-5 lobed, dark green leaflets. Plants are evergreen in lower elevations, but might loose their leaves at higher elevations. During the warm months showy pink 5 petaled flowers provide color. The fruit is slender and feathery in appearance.

Plant in part sun in the low desert, full sun in the grasslands/oak woodlands. Moderate water with good drainage is preferred. This species is hardy to 10°F.

This species has many of the same benefits as our native species—as with most plants in the rose family, this species is very good for native bees and many other pollinators. Seeds are consumed by granivorous birds.

The use of the plant by people is not well documented but it was no doubt used, at least as a fibre plant (the bark and wood beaten into fibers for clothing, mats, etc.

Purshia refers to F.T. Pursh, a German-American botanist. The species name plicata derives from the Latin word plicāre and means 'folded in plaits' or 'braided,' a reference to the pattern of its leaves.

Native to the Chihuahuan Desert in northeast Mexico, primarily in the state of Nuevo Leon.

Photo by Marilyn Castillo Muñoz, iNaturalist