Description

The desert wishbone bush, or desert four o’clock, despite its common name, occurs in many plant communities throughout the southern half of the state, from Baja to San Benito County. It grows as a loose mound of heart-shaped leaves up to about three feet. It is covered with lavender flowers in the spring and early summer. The flowers open in the evening (around 4 o’clock?) and close in the morning. After flowering, the desert four o’clock will go deciduous, which of course should be considered in siting the plant. In the early winter fresh growth will arise from a deep taproot. Desert four o’clock will thrive on neglect after it is established in the garden - no supplemental water will be needed. Plant with other dry-loving species such as bush poppies (Dendromecon species), Ceanothus, or Fremontodendron.