Fern of the Desert

Plant Type: tree
Plant Height: 15-25 feet
Spread: 15-25 feet
Flower Color: white
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Feather Bush (Lysiloma thornberi) – Elegant, Drought-Tolerant Tree for Arizona Landscapes

Bring a touch of native beauty to your Phoenix Valley garden with Feather Bush, a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant tree celebrated for its airy, fern-like foliage and showy white flowers. Scientifically known as Lysiloma thornberi, this deciduous tree or large shrub is native to the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico, thriving in desert and arid environments. With its graceful canopy, striking seasonal blooms, and adaptability to dry conditions, Feather Bush is an ideal choice for sustainable landscaping in Arizona.

Key Features of Feather Bush

Feather Bush grows to a height and spread of 15 to 25 feet, forming a rounded canopy that provides light, dappled shade, perfect for creating cool, inviting outdoor spaces. Its delicate, fern-like foliage creates a soft, textured look, and its fluffy white flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, contrasting beautifully with the bright green leaves. The smooth, light gray bark adds year-round interest, enhancing its ornamental appeal even during dormant seasons.

Adapted to full sun and partial shade, Feather Bush thrives in well-draining soil and is highly drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal supplemental watering. Its hardiness and resilience make it an excellent option for xeriscaping, native plant gardens, and water-wise landscapes, where it contributes both beauty and functionality.

A Water-Wise Choice for Phoenix Valley Gardens

Feather Bush’s drought-resistant nature makes it ideal for Arizona’s low-water gardens, supporting eco-friendly gardening practices and allowing gardeners to enjoy lush greenery without compromising water conservation. Its adaptability to extreme desert conditions makes it a valuable addition to Phoenix Valley landscapes.

Versatile Uses for Feather Bush in Phoenix Valley Landscaping

• Specimen Tree or Focal Point: With its rounded form and showy blooms, Feather Bush serves beautifully as a specimen tree, adding structure and visual interest to garden beds or open spaces.

• Native Plant Gardens and Xeriscapes: As a native tree, Feather Bush is well-suited for desert-inspired and xeriscaped gardens, blending seamlessly with other drought-tolerant plants and providing a naturalistic look.

• Shade for Walkways and Seating Areas: Its light, dappled shade makes Feather Bush perfect for planting near outdoor seating areas, patios, or along walkways, creating a welcoming, cool space in the garden.

• Mixed Borders and Informal Screens: Feather Bush’s airy foliage and rounded canopy make it suitable for use in mixed borders or as a natural screen, adding texture and seasonal blooms to diverse landscape designs.

Care Tips for Growing Feather Bush in Phoenix Valley

Plant Feather Bush in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. During its first year, provide regular water to establish a deep root system; once established, the tree is highly drought-tolerant, thriving on minimal water. Occasional pruning can help maintain its shape and remove any dead branches, though it generally requires little maintenance. Feather Bush’s resilient nature makes it an ideal choice for Phoenix Valley gardeners looking for a low-maintenance tree that complements water-wise landscaping.

Why Feather Bush is Perfect for Arizona Landscapes

Feather Bush offers Phoenix Valley gardeners a native, low-care tree that brings both beauty and resilience to arid landscapes. Its fern-like foliage, fragrant white blooms, and adaptability to harsh desert conditions make it a standout choice for eco-conscious gardens. Whether used as a specimen tree, in xeriscapes, or as light shade for walkways and seating areas, Feather Bush enhances Arizona gardens with its unique texture, seasonal color, and natural appeal. For a hardy, water-wise tree that thrives in challenging climates, Feather Bush is an exceptional choice.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Fern of the Desert

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth, but some shade in the hottest part of the day is beneficial)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for optimal growth and air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Fern of the Desert is a low-maintenance, compact shrub that does not require staking

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session to ensure deep watering around the roots

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Fern of the Desert is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure deep watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for deep watering
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: Increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days in summer, and reduce to every 3-4 weeks in winter