Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Krascheninnikovia lanata (Pursh) A.D.J. Meeuse & Smit
Winterfat
Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot Family)
Winterfat is a 1-3 ft., low, spreading
shrub with gray-brown, exfoliating
bark and fuzzy, pale blue,
deciduous foliage. Flowers, on female plants only, are a brilliant silvery-white and occur in dense,
axillary spikes.
Image Gallery:
8 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Shrub Leaf Complexity: Simple Leaf: White-Gray
Flower:
Fruit: Size Class: 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , CO , ID , KS , MT , NE , NV , NM , ND , OK , OR , SD , TX , UT , WA , WY
Canada: SK Native Distribution: E. WA, e. of the Cascades & Sierras, to s. CA, e. to w. ND, w. KS & TX
Native Habitat: Rolling plains; rocky mesas; scrubby flats
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Clay, chalky or saline soils.
Conditions Comments: Winterfat will bloom and produce fruits the first year from seed. Must have a male plant nearby for females to produce flowers. To keep it bushy, prune it back in early spring. This drought tolerant plant is suitable for revegation purposes in alkaline areas.
Last Update: 2009-06-11
