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Trailing Indigo Bush (Dalea greggii) exists as a tough low-lying ground cover species that originally grew in arid southwestern USA and northern Mexican ecosystems. Dalea greggii displays silvery-green fine leaves which produce small purple to a bunch of violet flowers that bring in bees and butterflies. Trailing Indigo Bush mainly produces blooms during spring and summer yet it excels best when planted in poor, rocky soils under full sun with exceptional drainage.
The dense spreading nature of this plant serves as a protective barrier that prevents soil loss on steep slope areas and arid terrain. The Trailing Indigo Bush serves multiple functions by tolerating drought well and requiring minimal upkeep while providing both color along with soft texture to desert gardens. The plant supports soil development through its nitrogen fixation process while creating better plant environments for surrounding vegetation in arid and dryland conditions.
| Characteristic | Description |
| Scientific Name | Dalea greggii |
| Common Name | Trailing Indigo Bush |
| Size | Grows 1 to 2 feet tall and spreads 4 to 6 feet wide, forming a dense groundcover. |
| Appearance | Low-growing, trailing shrub with silvery-gray foliage and small compound leaves; attractive sprawling habit. |
| Spines | Spineless; soft, fine-textured foliage. |
| Flowers | Small, purple to violet pea-like flowers bloom primarily in spring and sporadically during the year. |
| Fruits | Produces small pods containing seeds, though not overly messy. |
| Root System | Extensive lateral root system that stabilizes soil and helps with erosion control. |
| Lifespan | Long-lived in arid and semi-arid landscapes when properly established. |
| Habitat | Native to deserts of the Southwestern U.S. and Northern Mexico; thrives in rocky, sandy soils. |
| Water Storage | Minimal; relies on drought-tolerant adaptations rather than water storage. |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to fast growth, especially during warm seasons. |
| Flowering Time | Blooms in spring with occasional reblooming in summer and fall under good conditions. |
| Reproduction | Reproduces by seeds and can spread naturally in suitable environments. |
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