Prince’s-plume (Stanleya pinnata, Trans. New York Acad. Sci. 8: 62 (1888))

Family: Brassicaceae

Author: (Pursh) Britton

Bibliography: Trans. New York Acad. Sci. 8: 62 (1888)

Year: 1888

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Stanleya

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. & C. U.S.A. to N. Mexico

Description

Prince’s-plume, known scientifically as Stanleya pinnata, is a striking and resilient perennial plant that graces the landscapes of the western and central United States, extending its reach down into northern Mexico. This elegant member of the Brassicaceae family is celebrated for its distinctive appearance and adaptability to arid environments.

The plant owes its common name to the towering, plume-like clusters of golden-yellow flowers that rise above its foliage. These floral spires can grow impressive heights, often reaching up to several feet tall, creating a dramatic and visually captivating display. Each flower cluster is composed of numerous small blossoms that attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which play a crucial role in the plant’s reproductive cycle.

Prince’s-plume has pinnately divided leaves, which are typically a rich green and can vary in shape and size. These leaves are covered in a fine, grayish, sometimes silvery pubescence, helping the plant reduce water loss and defend against herbivores. This adaptation is vital, as Stanleya pinnata thrives in desert environments, rocky slopes, and arid plains where water can be scarce.

This plant has been observed across a vast geographic range, emphasizing its adaptability to various soil types, including those high in selenium. In fact, Stanleya pinnata is known to hyperaccumulate selenium, making it a potential sentinel species for soil selenium levels. The high selenium content, while beneficial for the plant’s own survival in such conditions, also means it can be toxic to grazers that feed on it extensively.

Historically, Prince’s-plume has been referenced in scientific literature since 1888, indicating the long-standing interest in its botanical characteristics and environmental interactions. The plant is named in honor of the noted botanist and explorer Frederik Pursh, and later attributed in botanical nomenclature by Nathaniel Lord Britton.

In garden settings and restoration projects, Stanleya pinnata serves as an ornamental choice, appreciated for its drought tolerance and striking blooms. It can add texture and a burst of color to xeriscapes and naturalized areas, while also providing ecological benefits by supporting local pollinator populations.

In summary, Prince’s-plume is not only a botanical marvel but also an ecologically significant species. Its adaptability to harsh environments, combined with its unique ability to accumulate selenium, make it a subject of interest within both ecological and horticultural fields. Whether encountered in the wild or incorporated into a managed landscape, Stanleya pinnata stands as a testament to the diverse and resilient flora of the American West.

Common Names

Eng: desert prince’s-plume, golden prince’s-plume, prince’s-plume
En: Prince’s-plume, Desert princesplume, Desert princes plume, Prince’s Plume, GOLDEN PRINCE’S-PLUME, Desert prince’splume, Desert prince’s-plume
Nv: Tsʼahbįįh

Synonyms

• Stanleya pinnata var. typica (Rollins)
• Cleome pinnata (Pursh)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Oregon (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDI BLM. United States, UT, Kane Co. July 2003. (public)

Taken May 13, 2020 by bam mal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 17, 2022 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2019 by Greg G Froelich (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Paula Kazarosian (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 30, 2021 by Daniel Gonzales (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2011 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 30, 2015 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 30, 2015 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 30, 2015 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Dec 1, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2002 by EOL − Robert Potts (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2015 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2002 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5373733)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:298794-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Stanleya pinnata (Pursh) Britton)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth