Tucson Bush, Feather Duster
dalea formosa
Also known as: ["Feather Duster","Tucson Bush"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, known for its feathery, bright yellow flower spikes that bloom in late spring to early summer.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Dalea |
| Botanical Name: | Dalea formosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: xeriscaped garden or rock garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–18–38°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter; cactus or succulent mix is ideal.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or every 2–3 years to rejuvenate growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to stimulate new shoots.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates intense summer sun but benefits from some afternoon shade in extreme heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to full sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent sunburn.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing near reflective surfaces that intensify sunlight.
Watering
every 2–3 weeks, less in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix with good aeration; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F / 18–29°C); can tolerate mild frosts but thrives in heat; avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures below 20°F (-6°C).
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
rarely needed, annually in spring if soil is poor
Fertilize only during active growth; avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm roots; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity and warmth.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F / 21–24°C), humid environment with bright indirect light; protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus potting mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; new growth may take an additional 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of stems; heading back to encourage branching; remove spent flowers to promote reblooming.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or weak stems; best done after flowering or in early spring.
Tools
Pruning shears, bypass cutters, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or crossing stems; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if crowded; water after repotting; place in shade for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water begins to drain from the bottom; ensure even moisture without waterlogging; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in excessive heat; stunted growth or blackened stems in cold stress; wilting despite adequate water in temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can damage tender tissues; prolonged cold may lead to root rot or death if soil remains wet.
Solution: Move container plants indoors before frost; provide frost cloth or mulch for in-ground plants; ensure well-draining soil to prevent cold-induced rot.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, or bud drop; may enter dormancy if water and light are insufficient.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture and cool roots.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicDalea formosa is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from exposure or ingestion of this plant by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicDalea formosa is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from exposure or ingestion of this plant by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicDalea formosa is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has no known adverse physiological effects when handled or ingested in typical amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Dalea formosa attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: How much water does Dalea formosa need?
A: It is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil with minimal supplemental watering once established.
Q: Is Dalea formosa suitable for xeriscaping?
A: Yes, its low water requirements and tolerance to arid conditions make it an excellent choice for xeriscaping.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 2–3 weeks, less in win |
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