The second tree in the “untoothed simple leaves” section of the field guide, like the first, is a spiny desert dweller that has barely any leaves at all. Finally I spotted one clinging to a twig in a photo that was clearly meant to showcase the thorns and the brilliant indigo flowers. But short-lived though the leaves of Psorothamnus spinosus (formerly Dalea spinosa) are, they are simple and untoothed. And also very fuzzy, which is a challenge to my drawing ability that I see will continue with some other trees in my near future.

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