Saltmarsh Fleabane – Pluchea odorata ssp. odorata (PLOO-shuh oh-dor-AY-tuh) Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family) Native to: Much of southern U.S. to S. America, Caribbeans. In CA, mostly w. of Sierras, but also in s. desert areas; common in moist soil including saline valley bottoms, coastal salt marshes, freshwater marshes, washes & riparian areas. Growth characteristics: clumping sub-shrub mature height : 2-4 ft. mature width : 2-3 ft. Semi- woody sub-shrub with faint camphor-like fragrance. Leaves rounded to lance-shaped, gland-dotted, clustered towards the branch tips. Stress-deciduous (looses leaves in drought; cold); may be an annual in colder climates. Plants have many, upright stalks. Spreads via rhizomes. Blooms/fruits: Blooms in late summer through fall (July-Aug through Oct.). Flowers typical of Sunflower family. Fragrant, pink/lavender flower heads are numerous in dense, flat-topped clusters at ends of branches – quite showy and unique, especially in Fall. Seeds have fluffy bristles. Uses in the garden: Excellent choice for moister areas of garden (rain gardens; swales; under birdbath; etc). Fine along streams, near ponds. Does well in large containers, but will be smaller than in the ground. Great fall habitat plant! Used medicinally in Caribbean countries. Crushed leaves serve as an insect repellant. Sensible substitute for: Non-native fall-blooming plants like chrysanthemums. Attracts: Excellent bird & pollinator habitat. Provides cover and seeds for bird food. Native pollinators love the nectar. Requirements: Element Requirement Sun Quite adaptable; full sun to fairly shady Soil Just about any except very coarse/rocky; alkaline and salty soils are fine Water Prefers regular water but ok (will go dormant) with less summer water; Zone 2 to 3 Fertilizer Not needed, but not a problem; fertilize lightly if grown in container Other Management: Prune back in winter if leggy. Will spread via rhizomes, so may want to contain. Propagation: from seed : direct seed in fall; may benefit from pre-chill by cuttings : probably Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 6, 10, 16, 20, 21 1/12/15 © Project SOUND

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Saltmarsh Fleabane – Pluchea odorata ssp. odorata (PLOO-shuh oh-dor-AY-tuh)

Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)

Native to: Much of southern U.S. to S. America, Caribbeans. In CA, mostly w. of Sierras, but also in s. desert areas; common in moist soil including saline valley bottoms, coastal salt marshes, freshwater

marshes, washes & riparian areas.

Growth characteristics: clumping sub-shrub mature height: 2-4 ft. mature width: 2-3 ft. Semi-

woody sub-shrub with faint camphor-like fragrance. Leaves rounded to lance-shaped, gland-dotted, clustered towards the branch tips. Stress-deciduous (looses leaves in drought; cold); may be an annual

in colder climates. Plants have many, upright stalks. Spreads via rhizomes.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms in late summer through fall (July-Aug through Oct.). Flowers typical of Sunflower family. Fragrant, pink/lavender flower heads are numerous in dense, flat-topped clusters at

ends of branches – quite showy and unique, especially in Fall. Seeds have fluffy bristles.

Uses in the garden: Excellent choice for moister areas of garden (rain gardens; swales; under birdbath;

etc). Fine along streams, near ponds. Does well in large containers, but will be smaller than in the

ground. Great fall habitat plant! Used medicinally in Caribbean countries. Crushed leaves serve as an insect repellant.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native fall-blooming plants like chrysanthemums.

Attracts: Excellent bird & pollinator habitat. Provides cover and seeds for bird food. Native pollinators

love the nectar.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Quite adaptable; full sun to fairly shady

Soil Just about any except very coarse/rocky; alkaline and salty soils are fine

Water Prefers regular water but ok (will go dormant) with less summer water; Zone 2 to 3