Native & adapted
Trailing indigo bush
Dalea greggiiAlso known as Gregg dalea · Indigo bush
A silvery, low native legume that roots as it spreads, stabilizes hot slopes, and carries small purple flowers for desert pollinators.
Right plant, right place
Will Trailing indigo bush grow at your Arizona property?
A strong choice for banks, medians, broad gravel beds, and the dry shoulder of basins. Give its stems room to run and do not crowd it against narrow walks.
Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a, Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b, Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9b.
Light
Sun exposure
Full sun, including reflected heat.
Water
Irrigation
Very low after establishment. Occasional deep summer irrigation keeps growth fuller without sacrificing drought resilience.
Planting & stewardship
How to help Trailing indigo bush thrive
- 1
Space for several feet of spread and avoid planting directly against curbs that demand constant edging.
- 2
Water the original crown and several points across the developing mat during establishment.
- 3
Cut back selectively if the center becomes woody; avoid routine tight shearing.
- 4
Keep fast-growing weeds out until the mat closes.