Is Winterfat good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Winterfat is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant Winterfat?

Space Winterfat about 3 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 2 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.

Is Winterfat hardy on the Front Range?

Winterfat is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does Winterfat need?

It needs low water once established.

How fast does Winterfat grow?

Winterfat is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.

Is Winterfat deer-resistant?

Winterfat is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.

Back to the plant finder

Winterfat

Krascheninnikovia lanata

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-09-11

Winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 1–3 ft tall and 2–3 ft wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Silvery-fuzzy seedheads in winter give the name 'winterfat'; valuable browse for wildlife.

Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water1–3 ft tall and 2–3 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant

Photos

Photo 1: (c) Tim Messick, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 2: Stan Shebs, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 3: Chris Woodrich, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 4: Chris Woodrich, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 5: no rights reserved
Photo 6: no rights reserved

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 4–9
Water needs: low water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: clay, loam, sandy
Soil pH: 7.0–8.5
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: high
Site uses: Slopes & erosion control, Hellstrips / parking strips

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 1–3 ft tall and 2–3 ft wide
Planting spacing: ~3 ft apart (2 ft for a hedge/screen)
Growth rate: Moderate

What it looks like, and when

Foliage: Semi-evergreen

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: low
Deer: Generally deer-resistant
Colorado native: Yes
Native ecoregion: shortgrass prairie, foothills

Planting & establishment

Tough native of the western plains; tolerates salt and alkali.

Pruning: light.

Frequently asked questions

Is Winterfat good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Winterfat is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Winterfat get?: It matures to about 1–3 ft tall and 2–3 ft wide.
How far apart do I plant Winterfat?: Space Winterfat about 3 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 2 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
Is Winterfat hardy on the Front Range?: Winterfat is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Winterfat need?: It needs low water once established.
How fast does Winterfat grow?: Winterfat is a moderate-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
Is Winterfat native to Colorado?: Yes. It is a Colorado native.
Is Winterfat deer-resistant?: Winterfat is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.