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Mojave Indigo Bush

Psorothamnus arborescens

In stock

1 gallon

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native; Mojave Desert

Water needs:

Low; Very Low

Exposure:

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Full Sun

3x3

Fast

Flower color:

Flower season:

Pruning:

Purple

Spring; Summer

None

Wildlife

Monarchs:

Nectar pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Rabbit resistant:

Yes

Mojave Indigobush is a stiffly irregular and sometimes thorny desert shrub reaching a maximum height of 3 feet with brilliant indigo-colored flowers that bloom from spring into early summer. Like many desert plants, Mojave Indigobush is a legume, meaning it is a "nitrogen fixer." These types of plants form a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in the soil, where the bacteria colonize the plant's roots and create nodules, which convert atmospheric nitrogen gas into a usable form (ammonia) that the plant can absorb and utilize for growth. When a nitrogen-fixing plant dies and decomposes, the fixed nitrogen is released back into the soil, enriching it for other plants. These plants are excellent additions to your wildlife habitats providing food and shelter and aiding the soil microbiome.

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!

Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.

Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.