Desert Bitterbrush
Purshia glandulosa
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
Stan Shebs
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Rosaceae
- Genus:
- Purshia
- Species:
- Purshia glandulosa
- USDA Symbol:
- PUGL2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Anticlea pectinata, Filatima aulaea, Itame colata, Provia argentata, Western tent caterpillar (Malacosoma californica), Ypsolopha walsinghamiella, Behr's hairstreak (Satyrium behrii)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals, butterflies
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from root crown after fire; seeds also germinate well in post-fire conditions.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid desert regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require scarification (hot water or mechanical) followed by cold stratification for 60-90 days.
Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed in cold stratification
Source: npn.rngr.net
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Native Seed Group (seeds)