Noted for its royal purple flowers, this low shrub, less than 3 feet
high with peculiar zig-zag branches, blossoms from April to June. In
common with other daleas (day-LEE-ahs) it is usually called “indigobush”
or “peabush.” It is normally found below 3,000 feet in desert mountain
ranges from southern Utah through Arizona and southeastern California.
There are many species of dalea in the desert, all characterized by deep
blue to indigo and rose-violet flowers, which attract attention by their
beauty. Indians used the extract from twigs for dyeing basketry.
_Dalea fremontii_ Pea Family
[Illustration: DALEA]