PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates dry, exposed coastal or hillside conditions
Watering
Drought-tolerant; water only during prolonged dry spells, avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -5°C; withstands hot, arid summer temperatures without supplemental cooling
Characteristics
- Leaf: Pinnately compound, small oval leaflets with silvery-green pubescence
- Flower: Pea-like blooms in pink to purple clusters at stem tips
- Stem: Woody, branching stems with prominent sharp spines at leaf axils
Care Guide
Watering
Water sparingly during active growth; allow soil to dry completely between waterings
Fertilization
Diluted balanced feed once every 2 months. Use only low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering rather than excessive foliage growth
Eggshell powder topdressing：Crush clean, dried eggshells to fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to boost calcium levels without risk of burning roots or attracting pestsPruning
- Trim dead stems and spent flower heads in late summer to encourage tidier growth
- Remove overcrowded branches to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Avoid cutting into old wood; prune only new, soft growth to maintain the plant's natural spiny form
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No documented toxicity to cats
Humans: No documented toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental xeriscaping; provides forage for native pollinators such as bees and butterflies
