Arrow-weed
Pluchea sericea
Last reviewed: August 2026
Pluchea sericea (Arrow-weed) is a drought-tolerant native shrub found across the southwestern United States from Arizona to Texas. This hardy plant blooms from June through September, attracting bees, butterflies, and moths.
Toxicity unknown
Arrow-weed (Pluchea sericea) 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.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
120"–240" H × 48"–120" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA, NM, NV and 2 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, moths
Before you buy
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Arrow-weed is a tall, fast-growing shrub that forms dense colonies along washes and wet areas. This deciduous plant can reach 10-20 feet tall and produces clusters of small pink to purple flowers from summer through fall. It's naturally found in riparian areas and thrives in low water conditions once established.
Growing Arrow-weed
Grow Arrow-weed in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 120 to 240 inches tall and spread 48 to 120 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Arrow-weed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Grows extremely large and can overwhelm typical residential spaces
- Spreads aggressively through underground runners
- Looks bare and scraggly during winter dormancy
Wildlife value
The long blooming period attracts numerous pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and moths from June through September. Birds often use the dense growth for nesting cover and the seeds provide food for wildlife.
Common questions
- Where does Pluchea sericea naturally grow?
- Arrow-weed is native to the southwestern United States, including Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas, typically growing in desert washes and along waterways.
- When does Arrow-weed bloom?
- Pluchea sericea produces flowers from June through September, providing nectar for pollinators during the hot summer months when few other plants are blooming.
- What pollinators visit Arrow-weed?
- The small white flowers of Pluchea sericea attract various pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and moths, making it valuable for supporting desert pollinator populations.
- How much water does Arrow-weed need?
- This drought-tolerant shrub requires minimal water once established, though it can tolerate occasional supplemental watering and naturally grows near seasonal water sources.
- Is Arrow-weed HOA-friendly?
- Arrow-weed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
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.
Ready to grow Arrow-weed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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