Dalea Dalea sppDaleas are a diverse group of plants that have delicate texture, provide wonderful winter to early spring color, and tolerate our hot summers. The nearly 200 species of these plants include trees, shrubs and groundcovers, many of which are native to the deserts of the Southwest. The pea-like flowers vary from purple to rose to yellow, and attract pollinating bees and butterflies. A variety of birds like quail, dove, and finches enjoy the seeds. -Xeriscape: Nature's Choice of LandscapeFlowers: J F M A M J J A S O N DStatus: NativeOrigin: Found on gravelly slopes, 2,000 to 5,000 ft elevation in southeastern Arizona and northern Sonora.Family: FabaceaeSize: Typical nursery species are 1.5′ – 5′ tallSun: FullWatering: Tolerates drought once established. Loses leaves when conditions are too dry.Growth Rate: MediumSoil: Prefers well drained, but tolerant of a variety of soil typesTemperature: Cold hardy to 15 degrees FPruning: With pruners to maintain shapeDisease and Pests: Root rot if drainage is poorUses: Host for Reakirt’s Blue, Southern dogface, Gray Hairstreak. Nectar plant for bees and butterflies.Notes: Most of the recent introductions of daleas are groundcovers or shrubs that range in height from 1.5′ – 5′. Most common species are Dalea frutescens (Black Dalea), Dalea greggii (Trailing Dalea) and Dalea pulchra (Bush Dalea, pictured). Arizona has 32 speciesResourcesASU Library Gilbert AZ Gov Southwest Desert FloraFree PDF Plant TagDaleaDownloadShare this:FacebookXWhatsAppPinterestRedditPrintLike this:Like Loading...
