Apache Plume

Fallugia paradoxa (fuh-LOO-ee-guh par-uh-DOCKS-uh)

Family: Rosaceae Native Shrub (3-15 ft)

Apache Plume is a slender, deciduous, multi-branched, flowering shrub, native to the dry and sun baked hills of the southwestern United States. At maturity, it can typically reach a height of 6 feet with an equal width and a rounded form; however, specimens have been reported at 12 feet high. The plant is distinguished by a dense growth of grayish-white, pubescent, tangled, slender stems and 2 inch saucer-shaped white blooms that appear in spring through summer. These thick shrubs can appear unkempt, but in full flower their white petals are attractive against the dark foliage. The fruit clusters, with their feathery, purplish tails, are said to resemble an Apache headdress. Apache Plume is easy to grow in dry, limestone-based, rocky, sandy, loam or clay soils in sun to part shade. It prefers an alkaline PH, but will not grow in full shade. It is very drought tolerant. The plant tolerates temperatures down to about 20 degrees F. and would require a well-drained site in full sun with shelter from cold winds and prolonged frosts, such as a south-facing wall. Apache Plume has an extensive root system that makes it well suited to planting for erosion control and is often used for that purpose on slopes. It can self-seed and, in optimum conditions, can become too aggressive. You can, however, prune back the oldest stems to control growth. Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No known diseases or insect pests.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 59 attributes.