Plant of the Month,(March 1998)

by Kerry Krumrine*, member of the Mesilla Valley Landscape Association
. Las Cruces New Mexico and co-owner of J & K Growers, Inc

Apache Plume or Fallugia paradoxa.

The Plant of the Month chosen by the Mesilla Valley Landscape Association for the month of March, is Apache Plume or Fallugia paradoxa. This native plant was chosen as the Plant of Month because of its year round appeal and versatility in the xeriscape garden.

Apache Plume is a native plant to our own back yard. It can be found in abundance throughout the Chihuahuan desert, growing wild in arroyos between in elevations of 3000 to 8000 feet.

Apache Plume is multi-branched, with light colored bark. The small leaves are divided into about five lobes, which gives the plant a delicate appearance. Apache Plume is normally semi-evergreen in the Las Cruces area, although very harsh winter conditions will cause it to drop most of its leaves. It grows to about 6' tall and 4' wide, with regular water, sometimes smaller if no extra water is given. It blooms in the Spring, with 2" white rose-like flowers. The name, Apache Plume, is derived from its feathery fruits or seeds which appear after the flowers starting in the summer. These "plumes" are pinkish-purple in color, about 2 1/2" in diameter, and resemble and Apache head-dress.

The Apache Plume prefers full sun, is extremely drought tolerant, and is hardy to -30 degrees. Apache Plume prefers well drained soil, although it will tolerate different types of soil. It looks best in a landscape if given deep monthly watering through the hottest time of year once it is established. The regular deep watering will promote faster growth, fuller foliage and more flowers, although it actually will live without any extra water (except for natural rainfall) once established. This native shrub can be pruned into a hedge, although its natural form is tame and well shaped. Apache Plume is also excellent for erosion control due to its spreading root system. The flowers of Apache Plume attract bees and butterflies, the plant provides refuge to wildlife, and the seeds attract birds.

The best time to plant most shrubs and trees, especially native plants is in the Fall, although early Spring is the next best choice. It is very difficult to transplant a mature Apache Plume plant from its natural habitat in the desert. Digging up the plant will usually kill it, mainly due to the fact that it separates the plant from its massive root system. Since the Apache Plume spreads by rhizomes (spreading stems from underground) a mature plant usually depends on this spreading root system for survival. However, root sprouts can be collected with rhizomes in early Spring, with better success. Another way to enjoy the Apache Plume in your landscape is to grow your own plant from seed. Seeds collected in the Fall and allowed to chill for 3 months can be sown in the early Spring with relatively good germination. Your best choice, however, is to buy a mature Apache Plume plant at your local nursery. Nursery stock of Apache Plume in 1 gallon to 5 gallon containers are readily available at your favorite local nursery, and will transplant successfully into your garden.