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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.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Fruit Type: Legume
Size Notes: Up to about 2 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: BlueBloom Time: Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AZ , NM , TXNative Distribution: W. TX to e. AZ, s. to Mex.
Native Habitat: Sandy hills; bottomlands; coppice mounds
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: SunSoil 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 BeesSpecial 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 PlantsFNA: Find Psorothamnus scoparius in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Psorothamnus scoparius
Metadata
Record Modified: 2021-02-27Research By: TWC Staff