Hyptis emoryi (desert lavender)

Desert Lavender is a 4 to 6 foot tall by 5 foot wide shrub that grows in the sandy washes and canyons of the South Mojave and Sonoran deserts. It has numerous erect slender branches bearing small, velvety slate blue-grey leaves. The leaves will become smaller and greyer, or even deciduous, in dryer conditions. Desert Lavender usual blooms from spring through summer, but may also bloom throughout the year. The flowers are violet in color and appear in clusters on branch tips. The foliage has a strong, pleasant lavender fragrance while the flowers have a light honey-like odor. Plant in full sun in well draining soil. As this is a plant from the desert washes, it appreciates occasional ‘monsoon' waterings in the summer. This plant is highly attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The leaves are edible and can be used to flavor tea.