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Lemon Dalea

Dalea capitata

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1 gallon; 5 gallon

Lemon Dalea

In stock

1'x4'

Sizes:

Lemon Dalea – Dalea capitata var. platyphylla
Also known as: Lemon Dalea, Yellow Dalea

Lemon Dalea is a durable, semi-deciduous groundcover that quickly forms a dense mat of bright green, fine-textured foliage. It grows to about 8 inches tall and spreads up to 3 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for tight planting areas like street medians, parking lot planters, and borders. Its compact size and tolerance to reflected heat allow it to thrive in harsh desert conditions, where it often serves as a lush green groundcover. This plant is native to Coahuila, Mexico.

It produces small clusters of vibrant yellow, pea-like flowers that appear on short spikes, creating a beautiful floral carpet above the foliage. These blooms are most prolific in spring and fall, attracting bees and butterflies to your garden. The foliage emits a faint lemony fragrance when crushed, adding a pleasant scent to your landscape.

This groundcover performs best in full sun and well-drained soil, though it can tolerate some light shade. It's drought-resistant but responds well to moderate irrigation, ensuring a healthy, lush appearance. However, it’s crucial to avoid overwatering, as the plant prefers drier conditions once established. It’s hardy down to 5°F, though it may lose its foliage when temperatures dip into the low 20s. In mild winters, it may retain its leaves, adding year-round greenery to your garden.

To maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming rangy, prune Lemon Dalea back by half every year or two in late winter or early spring. The plant is typically rabbit-resistant, though in areas with heavy rabbit activity, it may need some protection.

Lemon Dalea's bright green foliage and golden flower spikes make it a versatile choice for rock gardens, borders, and areas with reflected heat. It pairs beautifully with the sharp, architectural lines of agaves and yuccas, creating a striking contrast. This plant also works well around water features, such as fountains and ponds, where its lush foliage adds a soft, natural look. Whether used as a mass planting, along walkways, or tucked among large boulders, Lemon Dalea brings vibrant color and texture to any desert landscape.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Verified for native bees and generalist butterflies. While not formally documented, it is reasonable to infer that Queen Butterfly (Danaus gilippus) may also nectar on this species due to known behavior on similar legumes.
Bird Resources: Insects
Bird Species: Not specifically documented
Bees: Attracts numerous native bees, particularly small solitary bees common in arid regions

Plant Care

Native region:

Desert Adapted

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun; Filtered Sun

Mature size:

1'x4'

Growth rate:

Flower color:

Yellow

Flower season:

Spring; Fall

Pruning:

May need to be cut back by half every couple of years

Cold Hardiness:

20 Degrees may lose foliage, but roots are hardy to 5 degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Yes

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.