Smoketree
Psorodendron spinosum
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
iNaturalist: © squamatologist (iNaturalist #102897987)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Psorodendron
- Species:
- Psorodendron spinosum
- USDA Symbol:
- PSSP3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white, purple
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) followed by cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: Seeds are soaked in a 1:1 bleach:water solution for 30 to 50 minutes, then leached in water for 3 to 4 hours. Seeds are placed between sheets of blotter paper in nursery flats and wrapped in plastic bags to prevent desiccation. Transplant viable germinants into containers as soon as the radicle emerges. Flats are checked for new germinants daily.
Establishment: Seeds are hand collected in August and September when pods have matured and begin to split open. Do not collect seeds from the ground as they are often infested with insects.
Source: npn.rngr.net