This large semi-evergreen shrub with whitish peeling bark on its many thin branches can reach about 8x8’ but is most often somewhat smaller. It spreads by woody underground rhizomes. Single-petaled rose-like flowers bloom in warm weather, followed by the wispy seed tails (the plume).

Grow in full to part sun with moderate water and good drainage, hardy to -30° F. In the low desert, a semi-sunny location is easier on these plants (afternoon shade) which are native to a higher elevation than our Tucson basin. That said, we know of several plants around town in full or even reflective heat.

The flowers nectar-rich and are attractive to bees and butterflies. Larval host for a buckmoth (Hemileuca neumoegeni).

Used ceremonially, as a shampoo, in basketry, as rough brooms, in cradleboard and bed construction, and in arrows.

Fallugia is named for the Italian botanist Abbot Virgilio Fallugi (1627-1707), while paradoxa means unusual or paradoxical.

Found on rocky slopes, gravelly flats, and alluvial soils from 3,500-7,500 ft in central California, souther Nevada, southern Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, southern Texas, southern Oklahoma; south into northern Mexico.

Fallugia paradoxa on iNaturalist

Photo of the plumes by Mountain States Wholesale Nursery