Psorothamnus spinosus – “Smoke Tree”

Also Known As: Smokethorn, Smokethorn Dalea, Corona de Cristo
Other Botanical Names: Parosela spinosa, Dalea spinosa
Family: Legume, Bean (Fabaceae)
Bloom Period: Jun-Jul
Form: Tree, up to 25 feet (8 m) tall
Habitat: Sandy washes
Leaves: spatulate, sparse, and short-lived; often this tree is leafless, as in the photo
Translation: “Psororothamnus” is Greek for “scabby shrub”; “spinosus” is Latin for “spiny”; “Parosela” an anagram of “Psoralea,” which is Greek for “roughly-scaled”; “Dalea” is named after Samuel Dale (1659-1739), an English physician, botanist, gardener, and author (including of a treatise on medicinal plants).
Notes: The common name comes from the tree’s resemblance to a puff of smoke, especially as seen from a distance. This plant is particularly vulnerable to Climate Change because its seedlings depend on regular summer downpours in addition to winter rains in order to grow well. Prolonged drought threatens its survival. The common name, Corona de Cristo, is Spanish for “Crown of Christ,” and references Catholic mythology, specifically the “crown of thorns” placed on Christ’s head by the Romans as a form of torture prior to his execution.
Animal Associations: Nesting site for the Black-Tailed Gnatcatcher.