Antelope Bitterbrush
Purshia tridentata
Last reviewed: June 2026
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
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.
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.
Does Antelope Bitterbrush fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.