Great Design Plant: Apache Plume

Distinguishing traits. Shaggy, whitish branches and clusters of small, bright green leaves create a wild-looking, tangled texture. Rose-like, solitary white flowers, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, appear in spring and continue until frost.

Showy, plumed seed heads appear simultaneously and persist into the winter. These silky tassels are cream to pink in color and are especially beautiful when backlit by the sun.

How to use it. The dense structure of this plant makes it a great hideout for small birds, and its ever-blooming character attracts bees and other pollinating insects.

Use it in small groupings or as a single specimen in a naturalized garden, or as a backdrop for xeric perennials. Low-key companion plants such as rug-type junipers (Juniperus horizontalis), hybrid manzanitas like Manzanita coloradensis or wooly speedwell (Veronica pectinata) will allow Apache plume to show off her assets.

Planting notes. Apache plume is native to the mountains and mid to high deserts of the American West from Colorado to California, and south into Mexico. Well-drained soil of low fertility — such as sandy loam or gravel — is ideal, and full sun is a must. Plants may be pruned if necessary in spring. Water the plants moderately until established, then deep water once a month during the summer. Apache plume performs poorly when it's overwatered.

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