Quick answer: Winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata) is native to 12 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Carlquist, Sherwin John, 1930-2021, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Low water, drought tolerant |
| Soil | Clay, chalky or saline soils |
| Bloom | Mar-Jun |
| Height | Up to 3 ft |
| Wildlife value | Winter browse for rabbits and other wildlife |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 15 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 15 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Winterfat
Where is Winterfat native?
Winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata) is native to 12 states across the South and West. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Winterfat bloom?
Winterfat blooms Mar-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Winterfat need?
Light: Sun. Water: Low water, drought tolerant. Soil: Clay, chalky or saline soils. Mature height: Up to 3 ft.
Is Winterfat good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Winter browse for rabbits and other wildlife.
Is Winterfat deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Winterfat is drought-tolerant.
Where can I buy Winterfat?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 15 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Krascheninnikovia lanata by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Winterfat.
- Banana yucca Yucca baccata
- Scarlet gilia Ipomopsis aggregata
- Munro's globemallow Sphaeralcea munroana
- Lewis flax (blue flax) Linum lewisii
- Rubber rabbitbrush Ericameria nauseosa
- Showy milkweed Asclepias speciosa
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.