How much sun does Antelope Bitterbrush need?

Antelope Bitterbrush grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Antelope Bitterbrush bloom?

Antelope Bitterbrush blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Antelope Bitterbrush native?

Antelope Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Antelope Bitterbrush toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Antelope Bitterbrush as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Antelope Bitterbrush attract?

Antelope Bitterbrush draws bees and butterflies.

Is Antelope Bitterbrush HOA-friendly?

Antelope Bitterbrush takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Antelope Bitterbrush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Purshia tridentata

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Antelope Bitterbrush as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–72" H × 36"–120" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range

Antelope bitterbrush is a drought-tolerant native shrub with small, three-lobed leaves and clusters of bright yellow flowers in late spring and early summer. It grows into a rounded, open form and provides excellent wildlife habitat while requiring minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Antelope Bitterbrush takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very informal, wild appearance
Can spread aggressively to 10 feet wide
Looks sparse and scraggly in winter

Wildlife value

The flowers attract native bees and butterflies during its long bloom period from May through July. This shrub also provides browse for deer and cover for small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Antelope Bitterbrush need?: Antelope Bitterbrush grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Antelope Bitterbrush bloom?: Antelope Bitterbrush blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Antelope Bitterbrush native?: Antelope Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Antelope Bitterbrush toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Antelope Bitterbrush as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Antelope Bitterbrush attract?: Antelope Bitterbrush draws bees and butterflies.
Is Antelope Bitterbrush HOA-friendly?: Antelope Bitterbrush takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Antelope Bitterbrush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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