Southwest Plant of the Month – Black dalea – Dalea frutescens
Black dalea – Dalea frutescens
Plant Form: Shrub
Plant Size: 3’ x 5’
Plant Type: Deciduous
Water Usage: Low
Sunlight: Sun
Colors: Purple
Physical Description: Low round, mounding shrub with small green, compound leaves, densely covering spreading, pale creamy branches. Numerous purple pea-like flowers obscure foliage, late summer/ fall.
Care and Maintenance: Occasional pruning may be needed to keep plant compact and foliage dense. Rabbits and deer graze young plants.
Gardener’s Notes: Native to Chihuahuan desert of Texas/ New Mexico. Good accent or ground cover. “Sierra Negra” is a commonly available cultivar.
Southwest Plant of the Month material courtesy of NMSU ACES