| Smoke Tree | |
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The smoke tree, Dalea spinosa, is another Sonoran Desert species found in the eastern half of the park. These specimens grow in the middle of a dry wash, where there is a bit more water in the soil.
Usually the tree is leafless, conserving water, but in early spring these trees have tiny gray leaves. Its flowers will not appear for another month or so, but they are pretty purple blooms like pea-blossoms, reflecting its membership in the pea family. The tree's twigs carry out photosynthesis the year round.
(c) Copyright 2002 Andrew Alden, licensed to About.com, Inc.
