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Chamaebatiaria millefolium (Torr.) Maxim.

Desert sweet, Fernbush, Tansy bush

Rosaceae (Rose Family)

USDA Symbol: chmi2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Fernbush is a 4-6 ft. leafy, aromatic shrub producing a profuse amount of small, showy, white, five-petaled flowers. The feathery leaves and fragrant flowers are clustered at the ends of the branches. Aromatic shrub; glandular, hairy. Leaves: 3, finely twice pinnately compound, fern-like. Leaves are downy, fern-like and gray-green. Most of the older leaves drop during winter to reveal smooth, russet bark.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 6-12 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA , ID , NV , OR , UT
Native Distribution: ID to AZ, w. to Deschutes Co., OR & s.e. CA
Native Habitat: Dry, rocky, mountain slopes
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Nutrient-poor, dry, gravelly slopes.
Conditions Comments: A useful plant for harsh sites.

Benefit

Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Seeds are very fine and should be sown on soil surface. Hormone treated cuttings will also increase the plant. Clumps may be divided while the plant is dormant.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Chamaebatiaria millefolium in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Chamaebatiaria millefolium in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Chamaebatiaria millefolium

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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