Antelope Bitterbrush
Purshia tridentata
Last reviewed: October 2026
Antelope Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.
Toxicity unknown
Antelope Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
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
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
Growing Antelope Bitterbrush
Grow Antelope Bitterbrush in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 120 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Antelope Bitterbrush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.