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Sweetbush

Bebbia juncea

true

1 gallon; 5 gallon

Sweetbush

In stock

3'x3'

Sizes:

Sweetbush — Bebbia juncea var. aspera

Also known as: Chuckwalla’s Delight, Chuparosa (not to be confused with Justicia californica)
Synonym: Bebbia juncea

Sweetbush is a striking desert shrub with slender, green, rush-like stems and few to no noticeable leaves, giving it an airy, almost sculptural look. It typically forms a rounded mound about 3 feet tall and wide, but with supplemental irrigation, it can grow much larger. The plant is covered in bright yellow, daisy-like flowers for much of the year, and when not in bloom, it often displays the spiky tan remnants of older flower heads, adding texture and visual interest.

This species is native to sandy washes, dry rocky slopes, and gravelly plains across the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts, including the Colorado Desert. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, and requires very little water once established. Insects are drawn to its plentiful flowers, giving rise to the Spanish common name “Chuparosa,” meaning “to suck.” (Note: This name is more commonly associated with Justicia californica, which is unrelated—one reason why using scientific names is so important!)

Sweetbush is also affectionately known as Chuckwalla’s Delight, as these large desert lizards are often seen feeding on the plant. Its seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals, and the dense, twiggy structure provides cover for insects and shelter for ground-dwelling wildlife. As a year-round nectar source and host plant, it plays an important role in pollinator gardens, wildlife habitats, and desert restoration projects.

Wildlife Value

Host Plant: Wright’s Metalmark (Calephelis wrighti)
Nectar Source: Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus); Harford’s Sulphur (Colias harfordii); Ceraunus Blue (Hemiargus ceraunus); Western Pygmy Blue (Brephidium exilis); Wright’s Metalmark (Calephelis wrighti); Desert Metalmark (Apodemia mormo deserti); Tiny Checkerspot (Dymasia dymas); California Patch (Chlosyne californica); Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
Bird Resources: Seeds
Bird Species: Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata); House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus); Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria)

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native

Water needs:

Very Low

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

3'x3'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Yellow

Flower season:

Year-Round

Pruning:

none

Cold Hardiness:

Consensus is 25 degrees, but since its range goes to 4000 feet, it is thought to be hardy to possibly 15 degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

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.