Purshia tridentata

Common Names

Antelope Bitterbrush, Bitterbrush, Antelope Bitterbush, Antelope Brush, Buck Brush, Deer Brush, Quinine Brush

Summary

Antelope bitterbrush is a native western North American shrub or small tree, typically 6–8 ft tall and wide, evergreen or deciduous depending on winter severity. Leaves are wedge-shaped and three-toothed at the tip, and yellow flowers with a fragrant scent bloom in spring.

It grows in full sun on well-drained rocky or sandy soils, is drought-tolerant once established and not shade-tolerant, and fixes nitrogen via Frankia. It is used for erosion control and land reclamation, providing wildlife habitat and browsed by wildlife. Seeds are eaten by birds, and the plant serves as a host for Behr’s hairstreak butterfly. Propagation is by seed with winter stratification or layering; hardy in zones 3–8.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-6 ft

Spread

4-8 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun.

Soil Type

Well-drained, permeable soils

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, permeable soils.

Soil pH

6.5–8, Neutral to basic

Bloom Color

Yellow; range from pale yellow to bright yellow, occasionally white or cream-colored.

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green above; gray-green below.

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate growth, 6–12 inches per year.

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds