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Mojave Indigo Bush

Psorothamnus arborescens

true

1 gallon

Mojave Indigo Bush

In stock

3x3

Sizes:

Mojave Indigobush – Psorothamnus arborescens
Also known as: Smoketree Dalea, Mojave Indigo Bush

Mojave Indigobush is a stiff, sometimes thorny, deciduous shrub in the legume family (Fabaceae), native to the Mojave and western Sonoran Deserts. It typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall, with a sparsely branched, irregular form. It thrives on rocky or sandy slopes and desert flats, often in creosote bush scrub or Joshua tree woodland. Its vibrant indigo-blue flowers appear from spring into early summer, usually between April and June, forming dense spikes at the tips of the stems and creating striking bursts of color against the desert backdrop.

As a leguminous plant, Psorothamnus arborescens is a nitrogen fixer. It forms a symbiotic relationship with root-dwelling bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available forms. This not only benefits the indigobush itself but enriches the surrounding soil as the plant sheds leaves or dies back, making it an ecologically valuable addition to wildlife gardens and desert restorations.

Mojave Indigobush prefers full sun, excellent drainage, and minimal water once established. It is highly drought tolerant and thrives in well-draining gravelly or sandy soils. While it can appear sparse when not in bloom, its dramatic flower display, soil-enriching properties, and support of native pollinators make it a worthy addition to desert habitat gardens.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Ceraunus Blue (Hemiargus ceraunus); Marine Blue (Leptotes marina); Reakirt's Blue (Echinargus isola); various native bees
Bird Resources: Shelter and occasional insect forage opportunities
Bird Species: Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria) and other small desert birds may forage among or shelter in older stands
Bees: Attracts a variety of native bees, especially specialist desert bees that utilize legume blossoms
Other Wildlife: Its spiny structure can provide refuge for lizards and small mammals in open desert habitat

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native; Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Low; Very Low

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

3x3

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Purple

Flower season:

Spring; Summer

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

23 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Yes

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.