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Dyebush

Psorothamnus emoryi

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1 gallon

Dyebush

Out of stock

3’x3'

Sizes:

Dyebush – Psorothamnus emoryi syn. Dalea emoryi
Also known as: White Dalea, Emory’s Indigo Bush

Dalea emoryi is a compact, aromatic shrub in the pea family, native to the Sonoran Desert, including the Coachella Valley and the broader Colorado Desert region. Typically growing 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, it makes an excellent foundation plant in native and wildlife-friendly gardens. The finely divided, hairy leaves are grayish-white, a coloration that helps reflect intense desert sunlight. The plant emits a distinctive, resinous fragrance, especially after rainfall, and its oily foliage has been used historically to make dyes and stains—hence the common name “Dyebush.”

From March through June, Dyebush is covered in fluffy spheres of lavender to purple pea-like flowers, creating a vibrant show that attracts a variety of desert pollinators. Flowering may persist longer in higher elevation sites or when the plant receives supplemental water. However, once established, it requires no irrigation and thrives in full sun with well-drained soils, making it ideal for low-maintenance xeriscapes.

This drought-adapted shrub plays an important ecological role, both as a nectar source and in providing structure for native insects and birds. Its deep roots help stabilize sandy soils, and its moderate size makes it suitable for small spaces, informal hedges, or mass plantings with other desert bloomers.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: Funereal Duskywing (Erynnis funeralis)
Nectar Source: Confirmed for generalist native bees, Funereal Duskywing (Erynnis funeralis), and small skippers
Bird Resources: Insects; Shelter
Bird Species: Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata); Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps); Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus)

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

3’x3'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Purple

Flower season:

Spring-Summer

Pruning:

none required

Cold Hardiness:

25 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.