Triangleleaf Bursage
Ambrosia deltoidea
A compact Sonoran Desert native shrub with low litter and excellent pollinator value for butterflies and hummingbirds.
Reliably hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and thrives in the low desert; tolerates both hard frost and extreme reflected heat with no protection.
AMWUA Notes
A true very-low-water Sonoran native and important nurse plant; needs no supplemental irrigation once established.
Care Guide
Establish with occasional deep watering the first summer, then water only monthly or rely on rainfall; it is one of the most drought-adapted nurse plants of the Sonoran Desert.
Requires essentially no pruning; remove dead wood after a dry spell and let it keep its natural low mound rather than shearing.
Never needs fertilizer in native desert soil; feeding only encourages weak growth.
Largely pest-free; wind-blown pollen is its main drawback for allergy-prone clients rather than any insect problem.
Semi-deciduous in drought or hard frost, dropping leaves to conserve moisture and leafing back out with rain or warmth in spring.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Native to rocky, gravelly Sonoran upland soils; thrives in lean caliche and alkaline pH 7.5-8.5.
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
None — thrives in lean desert soil without fertilizer.
Propagated from seed; establishes slowly as a desert nurse plant.
4-5 ft
Deep, water-seeking but non-damaging roots; no hardscape concern.
Placement Tips
- •Plant on 4-5 ft centers as a foundational nurse plant that shelters seedlings of saguaro and other natives.
- •Ideal for restoration edges, decomposed-granite slopes, and low-water transition zones away from lawns.
- •Its low litter makes it acceptable near patios, though its ragweed-family pollen means keep it away from bedroom windows.
- •Combine with cacti and accents for an authentic Sonoran upland look.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Wildlife Value
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Triangleleaf Bursage. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Triangleleaf Bursage — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Triangleleaf Bursage need in Phoenix?
Triangleleaf Bursage is a very low-water shrub once established. Establish with occasional deep watering the first summer, then water only monthly or rely on rainfall; it is one of the most drought-adapted nurse plants of the Sonoran Desert. A true very-low-water Sonoran native and important nurse plant; needs no supplemental irrigation once established.
How big does Triangleleaf Bursage get?
Expect roughly 3 ft tall and 4 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 4-5 ft of spacing when planting. Deep, water-seeking but non-damaging roots; no hardscape concern.
Can you plant Triangleleaf Bursage near a pool?
Yes. Triangleleaf Bursage is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Triangleleaf Bursage handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Triangleleaf Bursage is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Reliably hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and thrives in the low desert; tolerates both hard frost and extreme reflected heat with no protection. Semi-deciduous in drought or hard frost, dropping leaves to conserve moisture and leafing back out with rain or warmth in spring.
Does Triangleleaf Bursage have thorns?
No. Triangleleaf Bursage is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Triangleleaf Bursage safe around pets?
Triangleleaf Bursage is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Triangleleaf Bursage bloom in Arizona?
Triangleleaf Bursage blooms in spring-fall, with white to pale purple flowers. The bloom draws butterflies, hummingbirds.
How much maintenance does Triangleleaf Bursage need?
Triangleleaf Bursage is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Requires essentially no pruning; remove dead wood after a dry spell and let it keep its natural low mound rather than shearing.
What kind of soil does Triangleleaf Bursage need?
Native to rocky, gravelly Sonoran upland soils; thrives in lean caliche and alkaline pH 7.5-8.5. It needs no supplemental feeding. Never needs fertilizer in native desert soil; feeding only encourages weak growth.
Is Triangleleaf Bursage native to Arizona?
Yes. Triangleleaf Bursage is native to Arizona and to the Sonoran Desert, so it is adapted to local rainfall, soil and heat.