Pluchea sericea – “Arrowweed”

Also Known As: Marsh Fleabane
Other Botanical Names: Pluchea odorata, Tessaria saricea
Family: Sunflower (Asteraceae)
Bloom Period: Mar-Jul
Form: Perennial shrub
Habitat: Near springs and in riparian areas, including salty soils
Leaves: Linear; alternate
Translation: “Pluchea” is named for Noël-Antoine Pluche (1688-1761), a French naturalist and author; “saricea” is Latin for silky, which describes the soft hairs on the leaves.
Notes: Can form pure dense stands, up to 8 feet (2.6 m) high. The fresh plant has a pleasant scent, but becomes rank when dried. A famous patch of Arrowweed in Death Valley is called the “Devil’s Cornfield.”
Native American Uses: The Cahuilla, Havasupai, Hualapai and Luiseño used the stems of this plant to make shafts for arrows, hence the common name. Various tribes also used it build fences, walls and roofs and to make baskets, cages, storage bins, cradle boards and spindles. The Pima tribe used a decoction of the roots or root bark internally for diarrhea and stomach aches (as did the Paiute) and externally as an eyewash. They also made a poultice of the roots to treat snakebites and to soothe children who cried at night. The Havasupai treated sore throats by chewing on the leaves or drinking a decoction of them. The Cahuilla roasted and ate the roots.
Animal Associations: Dense stands of this plant provide shelter for small mammals and birds. Forage for the Mule Deer. Nectar-source for Honey Bees.