Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
Pictures, Photos, And Information
Shrubs

Black Dalea, Dalea frutescens

Black Dalea, Dalea frutescens Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, February 12, 2008.

Black Dalea, Dalea frutescens	Black Dalea, Dalea frutescens

Black Dalea Dalea frutescens, Legume Family: ( Fabaceae ), Black Dalea. Also called: Black Indigobush, Sierra Negra, Black prairie clover, Black prairie-clover. An evergreen perennial, fast growing, up to 3 feet high with a 5 feet spread. Most are about 3 - 4 feet high. Dalea frutescens height and small, blue-green leaves make it an attractive, easily established, low-maintenance groundcover for dry and arid sites. Dalea frutescens does not respond well to fertilizer and overwatering, especially in winter, although in our hottest summer weather supplemental water will help keep the foliage full. It is an excellent low maintenance groundcover, useful for erosion control on rocky slopes, or in areas of reflected heat. It is cold hardy to about 15 degrees F. An excellent Xeriscape plant. Height: Up to 3 feet tall. 3 to 5 feet spread. Flowers: Inflorescence with a short spike, 5 - 25 flowered. Flowers are small, pea flower like, purple/white. Blooming Time: Late January - Early March. Leaves: Pinnately compound, dark green with a fine texture. Found: Rocky limestone hillsides in the Sonoran desert (Mexico, Arizona). Elevation: 0 - 2500 Feet. Habitat: Disturbed soil, roadways, sandy or gravelly areas. An ideal xeriscape plant. It takes low water, full sun to light part shade, and well draining soil. Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden, February 12, 2008.