Arrowweed
Arrowweed (Pluchea sericea) is a beautiful shrub native to the southwest, found mostly in riparian areas. This willow-like shrub often grows in and amongst other willow species in washes and floodplains. Arrowweed is in the Aster family and has pinkish-purple flower heads that bloom February-May. This species is found at lower elevations on the Colorado Plateau, typically below 3000 ft. It’s leaves and stems are covered in silky fine hairs that give the plant a white-ish hue. Sometimes forming dense thickets it provides cover and habitat for insects and wildlife in the floodplains. If you are down in the lower elevations of Tonto or Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests over the winter, look out for this evergreen shrub!
