Psoralea pinnata (African scurf pea, Blue pea)

Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

(Based on 1 user review)

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Hardiness Zones:

Botanical Name: Psoralea pinnata sor-AL-ee-ah pin-NAY-tah

Common Name: African scurf pea, Blue pea Genus: Psoralea

This short-lived shrub or small tree with feathery foliage is blanketed in late spring with fragrant, pea-shaped violet blooms with white wings. Though it is native to streamsides, scurf pea doesn't require extravagant watering and survives occasional drought. When the plants eventually die, they leave ample progeny and straight branches useful for garden stakes. Combine with azaleas and camellias, which bloom at the same time.
Noteworthy characteristics: Fragrant, profuse bloom. Self-sows. Drought tolerant. Fragrance reminds some people of grape soda.
Care: Plant in full sun or part shade and well-drained soil.
Propagation: Best by seed.

Overview
User Reviews
Photos

Height	6 ft. to 10 ft.
Spread	3 ft. to 6 ft.;6 ft. to 10 ft.
Growth Pace	Moderate Grower
Light	Part Shade Only
Moisture	Medium Moisture
Maintenance	Moderate
Tolerance	Drought Tolerant
Characteristics	Fragrant Flowers; Self Seeds; Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage
Bloom Time	Late Spring; Spring
Flower Color	Purple/ Lavender Flower; White Flower
Uses	, Beds and Borders, Flowering Tree, Waterside
Seasonal Interest	, Spring Interest
Type	,Shrubs,Trees

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posted by Marcellise
5/28/2010
Region: Southern California
Zone: 9

Rewarding, beautiful shrub that became a showstopper in my front yard this season. I bought a one-gallon about two years ago for my new landscape in southern Calif and planted it in full sun. It took a turn the first few months, and I cut it back to merely a solitary stick or two no taller than perhaps a foot. It certainly wasn’t very attractive for the front, but I kept the faith. Today my shrub could pass for the one in the photo. It’s probably under five feet and more wide than tall. The shrub was a tremendous delight at its peak in the spring. It grew long, strong branches that gracefully curved downward, seemingly weighted by the hefty clusters of lovely little bluish/periwinkle flowers exploding everywhere. The flowers were extremely abundant throughout the branches which helped make this shrub a focal point to any neighbors passing by the house. I like the little green leaves. The leaves are straight needles like a pine, but you can slide your hand down the branches because the leaves are soft. We have often referred to this shrub as the “pine that’s not a pine” because it’s always reminded us of one. In addition to its beauty, the novelty is the scent. No kidding, it really does smell like grape soda and with a perfume quality when it’s blooming. That adds to the interest and fun. We have not provided any special care other than a little light pruning to any branches growing too long. When we are spraying flowers in the yard with “Miracle food,” we will give the blue pea a drink as well. It has not required much water so we hold back. It’s happy.

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