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(Psorothamnus spinosus)
Smoketree (Psorothamnus spinosus)
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Matt Lavin
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Matt Lavin
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Matt Lavin | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/ | Uploader: Matt Lavin | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Psorothamnus spinosus, commonly known as Smoketree or Indigo Bush, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to arid desert washes, rocky hillsides, and scrublands of the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 10-20 feet (3-6.1 meters) and a width of 7-18 feet (2.1-5.5 meters), with a spiny, irregular form that creates a distinctive silhouette. The plant is well-adapted to its harsh native environment, thriving on well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils. During the spring and summer, it produces dense clusters of vibrant purple to blue flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators, followed by seed pods that provide food for wildlife.
The Smoketree is valued in cultivation for its drought tolerance, unique form, and the striking color of its flowers, which add visual interest to water-wise gardens, xeriscapes, and naturalistic plantings. It is often used as an accent plant or in mass plantings for erosion control on slopes. This species requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun with low water once established, and is suitable for soils with fast drainage. While it is generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It is not known to have aggressive roots or to be invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Smoketree is valued in cultivation for its drought tolerance, unique form, and the striking color of its flowers, which add visual interest to water-wise gardens, xeriscapes, and naturalistic plantings. It is often used as an accent plant or in mass plantings for erosion control on slopes. This species requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun with low water once established, and is suitable for soils with fast drainage. While it is generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It is not known to have aggressive roots or to be invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 10-20 feet
- Width: 7-18 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to arid desert washes, rocky hillsides, and scrublands in the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Smoke Tree , Smoke Thorn Dalea , Corona De Cristo
Scientific Names: Psorothamnus spinosus , Dalea spinosa , Parosela spinosa , Psorodendron spinosum , Asagraea spinosa
GBIF Accepted Name: Psorothamnus spinosus (A.Gray) Barneby