Psorothamnus emoryi facts for kids

Psorothamnus emoryi, also known as the dyebush, white dalea, or Emory's indigo bush, is a special kind of plant. It's a shrub that lives for many years, found in the hot desert areas. You can mostly see it in the southern parts of Arizona and California in the U.S., and in Baja California in Mexico. This plant is part of the legume family, just like peas and beans!

About the Dyebush Plant

The dyebush plant, Psorothamnus emoryi, usually grows to be about 3 to 4 feet (1 to 1.2 meters) tall. Its leaves are quite unique. They are covered in tiny hairs and look grayish-white. This special color helps the plant survive in the desert by reflecting sunlight, which keeps it cooler.

When it's time to bloom, from March to June, the dyebush shows off beautiful purple and white flowers. These flowers look a lot like small peas. They grow in clusters at the ends of the branches. The plant keeps its flowers until the hottest and driest part of summer arrives, usually around early or mid-summer.

What It's Used For

The dyebush plant has a strong, pleasant smell and feels a bit oily. Because of these qualities, people have used it in the past to make dyes and stains.