A) Smoke Tree
The smoke tree (Psorothamnus spinosus, formerly Dalea spinosa) gets its name from its appearance and growth, "a compact crown of smoky gray branches," which look like plumes of smoke from a distance. Smoke tree leaves appear only for a few weeks each spring, before the tree flowers. Because of this adaptation, the virtually leafless, gray-green and intricately branched twigs conduct the bulk of photosynthesis, supplying food for the entire plant. DesertUSA.com
After a smoke tree blooms, look for its small, dotted, egg-shaped pods. They are very fragrant...and hardy! It is common to see smoke trees growing in washes and rocky slopes subject to water flow as the pods require the harsh tumbling, scratching (scarification) and soaked event of a flood to remove enough of the seed coat, in order for the seed inside to germinate. Their moderate need for water, also makes washes and other flood zones a likely place to take root, once germination occurs. Deep tap roots help to anchor healthy trees during flash flood events, possibly keeping it from washing away.
Photos: Laura Huff