Botanical Name: Lysiloma microphylla thornberi (L.thornberi)
Common Name: Feather bush, Fern-of-the-desert
Type of Plant: dicot: shrub/sm. tree
Character partially deciduous
 
Habit of Growth:
Overall Shape rounded, shrubby, multi-trunked small tree or shrub with bipinnately compound foliage resembling Albizia or Jacaranda; foliage is filmy and bright green, contrasting with dark brown bark
Height 12 to 15'
Spread 12 to 15'
Growth Rate moderate
 
Environment:
Exposure in/out full sun preferred; does not tolerate shade
Soil tolerates any soil with good drainage
Hardiness hardy; (zones 12-24) may be evergreen in frost-free areas
 
Morphology:
Leaves bipinnately compound with 6-8 pairs of pinna, each with 20 to 30 pairs of 1/2" narrow leaflets; medium to bright green
Flowers 3/4" diameter rounded clusters of tiny creamy white flowers in summer; resemble Albizia distachya flowers
Fruit 4-6" long, 3/4" wide dark brown pod in summer
 
Propagation:
seed
 
Usage:
excellent informal large shrub or small tree for rustic or desert theme landscapes; can be pruned into a single-trunked small specimen tree or used as a screen or background plant
 
Landscape Care:
Watering tolerates virtually no irrigation once established; will tolerate average watering if drainage is good
Fertilizing none required
Pruning thin regularly to enhance form and show off structure
Pests/Diseases root rot where drainage is poor
Special Conditions/Other
 
Origin: Arizona
Family: Fabaceae

Notes:
 
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