Featherplume
(Dalea formosa)
Featherplume (Dalea formosa)
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© Catherine C. Galley
CC BY 4.0
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© Catherine C. Galley
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CC BY 4.0
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Photo by: © Catherine C. Galley | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: catherine_g | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Dalea formosa, commonly known as Featherplume, is a deciduous subshrub or shrub native to arid regions, including desert scrub, rocky slopes, and grasslands in the South-Central USA and Northeastern Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and a width of up to 2 feet (0.6 meters). Featherplume has a compact, rounded form with fine-textured, pinnately compound leaves that give it a feathery appearance. From late winter to spring, it produces showy spikes of purple flowers that are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Featherplume is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in challenging environments, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and native plant gardens. It is also used for erosion control on slopes and in restoration projects. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance, preferring full sun exposure and well-drained soils. While it is drought-tolerant, occasional watering during extended dry periods can promote more vigorous growth and flowering. Featherplume is not commonly affected by diseases or pests, but it can be sensitive to overwatering, which may lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Featherplume is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in challenging environments, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and native plant gardens. It is also used for erosion control on slopes and in restoration projects. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance, preferring full sun exposure and well-drained soils. While it is drought-tolerant, occasional watering during extended dry periods can promote more vigorous growth and flowering. Featherplume is not commonly affected by diseases or pests, but it can be sensitive to overwatering, which may lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Subshrub, Shrub
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Winter, Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Arid regions, including desert scrub, rocky slopes, and grasslands
Other Names
Common Names: Feather Pea Bush, Feather-Plume, Feather Dalea, Feathery Dalea, Indigobush
Scientific Names: , Dalea formosa, Parosela formosa,
GBIF Accepted Name: Dalea formosa Torr.