Mexican Cliffrose

Purshia mexicana

Mexican Cliffrose

Andrey Zharkikh from Salt Lake City, USA

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rosaceae
Genus:
Purshia
Species:
Purshia mexicana

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
20-40 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug
Bloom Colors:
White, Yellow
Evergreen Shrub:
Yes
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Native Range

United States: Arizona

Host Plant for Caterpillars

early hairstreak (Incisalia fotis)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
adapted to arid and semi-arid regions

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Seeds are stratified naturally by planting them in the fall in a thin layer of sand on mulched field beds. Stratification lasts 1 to 2 months. Wet tumbling is beneficial, which involves putting the seeds in a rubber-lined rock tumbler jar with tap water. The water is changed daily to remove any inhibitors that may have leached out.

Establishment: Seeds are collected during fall months and are kept separated according to site, elevation and source. The seeds must be transplanted soon after germination before radicle elongates. Some species may benefit from a rigorous imbibition treatment and/or leaching of germination inhibitors.

Source: npn.rngr.net