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Description
Psorothamnus Emoryi Var. Emoryi, also known as Emory’s indigo bush, is a flowering shrub that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide. The leaves of this plant are small, gray-green, and have a resinous texture. The flowers are small, purple-blue, and grow in clusters at the end of the branches. The plant blooms from March to June.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Psorothamnus |
| Species | Psorothamnus Emoryi |
| Variety | Emoryi |
Appearance
The Emory’s indigo bush has a dense, twiggy, and spreading growth habit. It has a gray-green color and a resinous texture. The leaves of this plant are small, about 1/4 inch long, and have a linear shape. The flowers are small, about 1/4 inch long, and grow in clusters at the end of the branches. They have a purple-blue color and a sweet scent. The fruit of this plant is a small, dry, and brown pod that contains seeds.
Care Guide
The Emory’s indigo bush is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. It prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline. It can tolerate drought, but it needs regular watering during the hot summer months. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring. This plant prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. It is hardy to USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Emory’s indigo bush is generally pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be affected by spider mites, aphids, and scale insects. If you notice any infestation, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pests. The plant can also be affected by root rot if the soil is not well-draining.
Habitat
The Emory’s indigo bush is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It grows in arid and semi-arid regions, such as deserts, canyons, and plains. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Emory’s indigo bush survive in cold climates?
A: No, this plant is not suitable for cold climates. It is hardy to USDA zones 8-10.
Q: How often should I water the Emory’s indigo bush?
A: Water the plant regularly during the hot summer months, but let the soil dry out between watering.
Q: How tall can the Emory’s indigo bush grow?
A: This plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide.
Q: Does the Emory’s indigo bush attract pollinators?
A: Yes, this plant attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Related Plants
- Psorothamnus schottii
- Psorothamnus thompsoniae
- Psorothamnus fremontii
- Psorothamnus arborescens
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/psorothamnus_emoryi_var_emoryi.shtml
- https://www.desertmuseum.org/kids/oz/long-fact-sheets/Emorys%20Indigo%20Bush.php
- https://calscape.org/Psorothamnus-emoryi-()-var.-emoryi-()
