Native Plants

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Anderson, Wynn

Psorothamnus scoparius

Psorothamnus scoparius (A. Gray) Rydb.

Broom Dalea, Broom Smokebush, Broom Pea

Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Synonym(s): Dalea scoparia

USDA Symbol: PSSC6

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Broom smokebush or broom dalea is a thornless shrub to 2 ft. with only a few, simple leaves, appearing after rains. Photosynthesis occurs in the stems when the leaves have fallen and the shrub takes on an open, broom-like appearance. Pea-like flowers are dark-blue.

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Fruit Type: Legume
Size Notes: Up to about 2 feet tall.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Blue
Bloom Time: Aug , Sep

Distribution

USA: AZ , NM , TX
Native Distribution: W. TX to e. AZ, s. to Mex.
Native Habitat: Sandy hills; bottomlands; coppice mounds

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Description: Sandy soils.
Conditions Comments: Good for erosion control. Needs periodic pruning to encourage compact growth. Overwatering and/or fertilization can cause legginess, weak growth, and reduced flowering. Very drought resistant.

Value to Beneficial Insects

Special Value to Native Bees
Special Value to Bumble Bees

This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.

Additional resources

USDA: Find Psorothamnus scoparius in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Psorothamnus scoparius in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Psorothamnus scoparius

Metadata

Record Modified: 2021-02-27
Research By: TWC Staff

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