How to Grow Winterfat
iNaturalist
Winterfat
Krascheninnikovia lanata
shrubWinterfat is a highly nutritious, cold-hardy perennial shrub native to western North America, valued as exceptional winter forage for livestock and wildlife. Its silvery-gray foliage and dense growth habit make it both functional and ornamental. This extremely drought-tolerant plant thrives in arid and semi-arid regions where few other plants survive.
When should you plant Winterfat in your zone?
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Example Winterfat timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Winterfat
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Winterfat
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Winterfat dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-8, excellent for cold, arid climates
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Seed Germination
4-6 weeksSeeds require cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy. Small seedlings emerge in spring with cotyledons visible.
Stratify seeds in moist, cold conditions (refrigerator) before sowing. Maintain light moisture during germination phase only.
Seedling & Establishment
8-12 weeksYoung plants develop fine roots and silvery foliage. Growth is initially slow as the plant establishes a deep root system.
Protect from competition and extreme moisture. Drought stress is actually beneficial; avoid overwatering. Thin seedlings to proper spacing.
Vegetative Growth
First 1-2 yearsPlant develops characteristic dense, mounding form with silver-gray leaves and deeper root penetration. Height increases 6-12 inches per year.
Minimal fertilization needed; suit plant prefers poor soil. Allow natural growth form; minimal pruning required. Ensure full sun.
Flowering & Fruiting
May-OctoberSmall, inconspicuous flowers appear in late spring/early summer, followed by woolly seed heads that persist into winter.
Flowers and seeds are nutritious wildlife food. Allow seed heads to remain on plant for wildlife benefit and natural reseeding.
Winter Dormancy & Utility
November-MarchPlant retains foliage through winter, remaining green and accessible for browse. Nutritional value actually increases after frost.
This is prime season for livestock forage use. Plant requires no winter care. Dormant period is 4-5 months.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Usually not problematic; natural population control through predators. Fencing can protect young plants.
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Maintain competitive plant density; mechanical removal; avoid areas with spurge infestations.
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Prune affected branches if spotted. Plant vigor generally prevents significant damage.
Uses
Livestock & Wildlife Forage
CulinaryWinterfat is an exceptional, highly nutritious winter feed for sheep, cattle, deer, and other wildlife. Its protein content (15-20%) and palatability make it superior to many native forages, especially during critical winter months when other vegetation is unavailable. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Food
WildlifeDense growth provides shelter and cover for birds, small mammals, and insects. Seeds and foliage are consumed by wildlife, supporting biodiversity in arid ecosystems. [source]
Rangeland Restoration
HouseholdWinterfat is used extensively in ecological restoration projects to combat desertification, improve rangeland productivity, and stabilize degraded lands in arid and semi-arid regions. [source]
Ornamental Landscaping
CraftThe silvery-gray foliage and compact form make winterfat attractive for drought-tolerant, low-maintenance landscapes in western regions. It provides year-round visual interest. [source]
Traditional Use
MedicinalNative American tribes traditionally used winterfat as emergency food and forage. The plant's resilience and nutritional density made it valuable in harsh environments. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Winterfat is primarily harvested by livestock grazing or wildlife browsing rather than manual harvest. For forage: Allow animals to graze or browse naturally starting in late fall through early spring when nutritional value is highest. For seed collection: Harvest seed heads in late summer/early fall when woolly coating is fully developed. Seeds naturally reseed if left on plant.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Winterfat gets its name because it contains high fat content and remains green and edible through winter when most other plants are dormant or frozen, making it critical for livestock survival in harsh climates.
- 🌱 The plant's woolly seed heads are covered in long hairs that aid wind dispersal, allowing seeds to travel long distances across arid landscapes. These distinctive fuzzy seed heads are visually striking in winter landscapes.
- 🌱 Winterfat can survive on as little as 6-10 inches of annual precipitation and has been shown to improve soil conditions in severely degraded rangelands, making it a keystone species for desert restoration projects.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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