Description
Purshia tridentata,
Antelope Bitterbrush (Native)
Medium to tall, 2-15 ft., semi-evergreen or deciduous shrub distributed throughout much of the mountainous west from near sea level to 10,000 ft. elev. Grows on most soil textures but does best in moderate to deep well drained medium to coarse textured, sometimes rocky or gravelly soils. Found on valley bottoms, flats, foothills, ridges, and mountain slopes. Tolerant to moderately acid and moderately alkali but not saline soils. Has both prostrate and upright ecotypes. Usually cold tolerant. Highly palatable and nutritious forage for livestock and wildlife especially in fall and winter. Also extremely important to many species of wildlife for both food and cover. Moderate to excellent grazing tolerance. One of the most important species used in range and wildlife habitat improvement projects on fall and winter ranges on adapted sites. Also valuable for mining, road and pipeline construction revegetation and for native landscaping. Important to use seed from sources with compatible environmental conditions. Minimum precip. is 8-12 inches. Plant in fall ½ – 1 inch deep. 15,000 seeds/lb.
USDA: Plant Profile | Plant Guide | Fact Sheet
