Native Plants
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Purshia stansburiana
Purshia stansburiana (Torr.) Henrickson
Stansbury Cliffrose, Quininebush, Cliffrose
Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Synonym(s): Cowania alba, Cowania mexicana var. stansburiana, Cowania stansburiana, Purshia mexicana var. stansburiana
USDA Symbol: PUST
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Quininebush or Cliff-rose is a freely branched, broad-leaf evergreen shrub usually growing 4-10 ft., depending on the site. The tubular flowers are creamy-white, five-petaled and extremely fragrant, eventually producing white, feathery fruits. Its bark is reddish and peeling. Leathery, pinnately compound leaves are green above, woolly-white below.
An attractive ornamental, Cliffrose is also planted for erosion control. It is an important browse plant for deer, cattle, and sheep, especially in winter. Native Americans used to make rope, sandals, and clothing from the shreddy bark and arrow shafts from the stems. It is called "Quininebush" because of the bitter-tasting foliage. This species is abundant on the south rim at Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Fruit Type: Achene
Size Notes: Up to about 20 feet tall, usually much shorter.
Leaf: Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , YellowBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Bloom Notes: Pale or creamy yellow to white.
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , CO , ID , NM , NV , UTNative Distribution: S. CO to s.e. CA, s. to c. Mex.
Native Habitat: Dry slopes & mesas; limestone canyons; 3000-8000 ft.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Rocky, infertile soils.
Conditions Comments: Drought-tolerant. Showy, fragrant, and a good soil binder on slopes.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Deer browse.Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Propagation
Description: Propagation by seed is possible. Protecting sown seed from rodents is often necessary. Semi-softwood cuttings may be taken in spring and late summer.Seed Collection: The first seeds to set are usually of the highest quality. Collect by hand or with vacuum equipment.
Seed Treatment: Cold-moist stratification hastens germination.
Commercially Avail: yes
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Purshia stansburiana in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Purshia stansburiana in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Purshia stansburiana
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-05-10Research By: TWC Staff