Winterfat
Krascheninnikovia lanata
Winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 1–3 ft tall and 2–3 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Silvery-fuzzy seedheads in winter give the name 'winterfat'; valuable browse for wildlife.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water1–3 ft tall and 2–3 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Krascheninnikovia lanata
- Variety / cultivar
- (species, formerly Ceratoides lanata)
- Type
- Shrub
- Mature size
- 1–3 ft tall and 2–3 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~3 ft apart (2 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 7.0–8.5
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- high
- Pollinator value
- low
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control, Hellstrips / parking strips
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Planting & establishment
Tough native of the western plains; tolerates salt and alkali.
- Pruning: light.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Winterfat good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Winterfat is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Winterfat get?
- It matures to about 1–3 ft tall and 2–3 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Winterfat?
- Space Winterfat about 3 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 2 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Winterfat hardy on the Front Range?
- Winterfat is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Winterfat need?
- It needs low water once established.
- How fast does Winterfat grow?
- Winterfat is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- Is Winterfat native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Winterfat deer-resistant?
- Winterfat is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
