Poisonvetch
45. NEW MEXICO LOCUSTPea Family
Robinia neomexicana
This shrub or small tree is fairly common in Zion Canyon. It was probably brought in by the early settlers. Its large, showy flower grows in clusters at the ends of slender branches. The blooming season is during May and June.
The tree is very thorny and has the habit of sprouting from roots or stumps and of forming dense thickets which are valuable in controlling erosion. The foliage serves as food for browsing animals, especially the deer.
New Mexico Locust
46. DESERTBEAUTY DALEAPea Family
Dalea johnsoni
Sometimes confused with the Desert Sage or more commonly called the Purple Sage, which it resembles to some extent, this small shrub with light-gray bark, small, gray-green leaves and terminal spikes of brilliant-purple flowers is one of the most pleasing sights in early summer.
In Zion it is found mostly in the Coalpits Wash and Shunes Creek areas and blooms generally during May. Desertbeauty is a close relative of the “Smoke Tree” of the Desert.
