Prince's Plume
Stanleya pinnataHeight: Typically 2 to 5 feet tall, sometimes taller
Habitat: Dry, open areas with alkaline or gypsum-rich soils—desert flats, hillsides, and scrub
Elevation: Found from 2,000 to 7,000 feet
Range: Western United States, including parts of California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming
Description:
Prince’s Plume is a tall, showy perennial wildflower with narrow, silvery-green leaves and long, feathery spikes of bright yellow flowers. The blooms are made up of long, narrow petals that give the plant a "plumed" appearance. It often grows in places where few other plants thrive, especially in mineral-rich or salty soils.
Uses:
Primarily admired for its bold appearance and use in native landscaping and habitat restoration. While not known for food or medicine, it does attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Note:
Prince’s Plume lives up to its regal name—tall, bright, and eye-catching, especially in otherwise barren-looking areas. It’s a classic example of a tough desert plant that knows how to make an entrance.
Photo taken at Joshua Tree National Park