Feather Bush

Feather bush is a robust desert tree from our neighboring regions of Arizona and northern Mexico.

The feathery leaves that it’s known for provide an airy and invigorating feel to the desert landscape in the hot summer months.

Botanical name: Lysiloma watsonii

Other names: Desert fern, featherbush, feather bush tree, Lysiloma thornberi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Feather bush is native to the Sonoran Desert. Large woody desert shrub that is commonly shaped into a small tree.

Can reach 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide.

May have multiple trunks. Light gray-brown wood becomes darker when mature.

Its signature feathery olive green leaves are made up of tiny leaflets. Evergreen in areas with warm winters and year round irrigation. Drops leaves during cold weather and/or drought.

Numerous, tiny, white puffball-like flowers appear in the spring.

Followed by long, dark brown seedpods that have dark, round seeds.

Feather bush is part of the legume family. It’s s nitrogen fixer, so it can be planted in areas with poor soil.

The feathery leaves add interesting texture and filtered shade to the garden.

Has no thorns. Can be placed near foot traffic.

Produces lots of litter. Do not plant near swimming pools.

Dense deep green leaves add a sense of lushness to the garden. Use to provide filtered shade to shorter plants like flowers and succulents.

Attracts bees and butterflies when in bloom.

Grows low branches. Perform heavy pruning in late winter to keep it shaped into a tree.

Feather bush is from Arizona and northern parts of Mexico

Soil: Tolerant of a variety of soils. Make sure it drains well.

Temperature: Can withstand temperatures down to 25 degrees for a short period of time.

Water:  Drought tolerant once mature. Occasional, deep watering. For new and young trees, water more often.

Sun: Full sun or partial shade.

Pests: Feather bush has minimal pests

Signs of overwatering: Drooping, squishy texture, weak branch growth, leaf drop

Signs of too little water: Leaf discoloration, leaf drop

Signs of too much sun: Burning, scarring, fading color

Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, discoloring

Obtain seeds from ripe seed pods and plant.

How much does Feather Bush cost?

At our nursery, a feather bush costs $120 for a 15-gallon container, $250 for a 24-inch box, $750 for a 36-inch box, and $2,500 for a 48-inch box.

Prices are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on pricing, please contact us. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.

Why is my feather bush dropping leaves?

If it is healthy, it is probably due to cold weather or lack of water.

Is feather bush an easy plant?

Feather bush is a robust desert plant that is drought and heat tolerant. It also does not attract many pests. However, because it is naturally a shrubby plant, it will need to be pruned in order to keep it shaped like a tree.