Is Cliffrose good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Cliffrose is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.

What should I know before planting Cliffrose?

The main things to know: It drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.

How far apart do I plant Cliffrose?

Space Cliffrose about 8 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 6 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.

Is Cliffrose hardy on the Front Range?

Cliffrose is hardy in USDA 4 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does Cliffrose need?

It needs low water once established.

How fast does Cliffrose grow?

Cliffrose is a slow-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.

Is Cliffrose a good hedge plant?

Yes, as an informal hedge. Cliffrose works best as a relaxed hedge or screen kept to its natural form rather than sheared into a tight box.

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Cliffrose

Purshia mexicana

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-19

Cliffrose (Purshia mexicana) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 4 to 8 ft tall and 4 to 8 ft wide, slow-growing, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Fragrant cream flowers spring; feathery plume seedheads in fall; sparse-fueled fire-wise native.

Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water4 to 8 ft tall and 4 to 8 ft wideXeric / water-wise

Photos

Photo 1: Andrey Zharkikh from Salt Lake City, USA, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY)
Photo 2: Andrey Zharkikh from Salt Lake City, USA, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 8
Water needs: low water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: sandy, well drained only
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.5
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate
Site uses: Slopes & erosion control, Hot south- or west-facing walls

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 4 to 8 ft tall and 4 to 8 ft wide
Planting spacing: ~8 ft apart (6 ft for a hedge/screen)
Growth rate: Slow

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: late spring, early summer
Bloom color: cream, yellow
Foliage: Evergreen

What it will do to your yard

Hedge use: Informal hedge or screen

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Not rated
Colorado native: Yes
Native ecoregion: foothills, montane

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Things to know before you plant

Messy dropIt drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.

Planting & establishment

Slow to establish but extremely drought tolerant once rooted; needs sharp drainage.

Pruning: light.
Fruit: ornamental.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cliffrose good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Cliffrose is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
What should I know before planting Cliffrose?: The main things to know: It drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
How big does Cliffrose get?: It matures to about 4 to 8 ft tall and 4 to 8 ft wide.
How far apart do I plant Cliffrose?: Space Cliffrose about 8 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 6 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
Is Cliffrose hardy on the Front Range?: Cliffrose is hardy in USDA 4 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Cliffrose need?: It needs low water once established.
How fast does Cliffrose grow?: Cliffrose is a slow-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
Is Cliffrose native to Colorado?: Yes. It is a Colorado native.
Is Cliffrose a good hedge plant?: Yes, as an informal hedge. Cliffrose works best as a relaxed hedge or screen kept to its natural form rather than sheared into a tight box.