Selected Plants of Navajo Rangelands
Cliffrose
Awééts’áál
(a.k.a. Cowania neomexicana)
Cliffrose is found on cliffs, hillsides, mesas, and in washes, usually on the hot and dry south and west aspects, at elevations from 2,500 to 8,500 feet. This shrub or small tree is drought resistant, and mature plants are fairly shade tolerant.
Livestock may use it only lightly in spring and summer if deciduous browse species are available. It is an important browse species for mule deer, elk, pronghorn, desert bighorn sheep, livestock, and game birds. It also provides habitat for songbirds. It flowers April to June, and fruits mature September to October. It reproduces from seed, and rarely from sprouting. The flowers are cream to yellow in color.
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