Prince's Plume

Did you know that the prince’s plume is able to absorb a chemical called selenium from the soil? Selenium is toxic to livestock and symptoms of selenium poisoning include weight loss, vision impairment, and aimless wandering.

Though prince’s plume can be harmful to livestock, its seeds and leaves are safe for human consumption. The seeds can be ground and used in soups or other dishes.

Indiegnous Americans used prince’s plume root to help treat rheumatic pain, toothaches, and earaches.

The prince’s plume thrives in dry hills and valleys and strongly prefers being in the sun. Additionally, these plants are perennial meaning that they last all year long and therefore are suited to hardy weather and can grow in even nutrient-poor soil.

Due to its resilient nature the prince’s plume can be found along southern Oregon, northern Nevada, Utah, and parts of the midwestern United States. Because of its wide range, the prince’s plume is sometimes referred to as the “sentinel of the plains.”

Across its range, prince’s plume is native to most regions and is known for providing much-needed nutrients to local pollinators and insects.