Desert Lavender; the lavender of the Sonoran Desert


Desert Lavender is a shrub reaching 8-10 feet typically. I have found it quite a fast grower granted it is irrigated and that it doesn't freeze too hard. It is a little tender, temps in the lower 20s F. will damage foliage though I have seen plants get damaged foliage at even higher temperature (I attribute this to genetic variance in frost hardiness). Plants that freeze to the ground in hard freezes will resprout, typically. I have seen some plants never show a sign of caring what temperature it is here in Tucson.

Desert Lavender occurs in California, Nevada, Arizona, Sonora, Chihuahua, and BajaCalifornia, and for the most part is a Sonoran Desert species. The foliage of desert lavender has been used bound up as "moth balls" because it is believed to repel garment devouring insects. Desert lavender is also used medicinally for a number of ailments. Anti-tumor agents have been discovered in Hyptis.

There are three varieties recognized. Hyptis emoryi var. emoryi is more densely pubescent than var. palmeri and var. amplifolia. I do not know the other differences. There in fact are other species of Hyptis so close that even botanists have a hard time telling them apart. This species is native to rocky slopes and sandy washes.

Plants are mostly evergreen unless severe drought occurs or cold enough to knock off leaves. The flowers attract bees (which makes plants valuable for people who raise bees) and hummingbirds. The leaves of desert lavender change with availability of water. When dry leaves are more pubescent, almost succulent. When more water is available plants produce leaves that are thin and large with less pubescence. Plants are best on irrigation with full sun. They are tolerant of a wide range of conditions but good drainage is a plus. You can find these plants in areas up to 3000 feet in elevation in Arizona. Plants grow by cuttings and by seed. They can reach the point of not needing irrigation once established, however they look better with help.

The copyright of the article Desert Lavender; the lavender of the Sonoran Desert in Arid-Climate Plants is owned by Jared R. Shortman. Permission to republish Desert Lavender; the lavender of the Sonoran Desert in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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