Apache Plume
Fallugia paradoxa
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
iNaturalist: © newmexjeff (iNaturalist #118580605)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Rosaceae
- Genus:
- Fallugia
- Species:
- Fallugia paradoxa
- USDA Symbol:
- FAPA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- white
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
- Hummingbirds:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Neumoegen's buckmoth (Hemileuca neumoegeni)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) Hummingbirds: Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope) Butterflies:Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus), Juniper Hairstreak (Callophrys gryneus), Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from root crown after fire; benefits from periodic fire to reduce competition.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, sandy, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in arid, desert-like conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; sow in well-drained soil with light cover.
Pre-treatment: Removal of styles may increase germination rates. No stratification required. Wet tumbling may be beneficial for imbibition and/or leaching of germination inhibitors.
Establishment: Germination rates and temperatures vary slightly between studies. Collection of seeds should commence when the pink styles begin to fade and the achenes turn reddish. Seeds are stripped from branches by hand in May or June when the first flush of fruits ripen.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Native Seed Group (seeds)