Water Wise Wednesday: “Chocolate Flower” Named April’s Desert-Friendly Plant of the Month

This week’s Water Wise Wednesday, brought to you by the Coachella Valley Water District, is highlighting a unique and fragrant addition to desert landscapes—the chocolate flower.

Lorraine Garcia, communications manager for the Coachella Valley Water District, introduced April’s desert-friendly plant of the month, known for its surprising scent and easy-to-grow nature in arid climates.

Despite its name, the chocolate flower isn’t edible—but it does give off a sweet aroma that closely resembles chocolate. The plant features bright yellow, daisy-like blooms with deep maroon centers, creating both a striking visual and a pleasant fragrance that can be enjoyed from early spring into summer.

Garcia recommends planting chocolate flowers in areas where people can fully enjoy their scent, such as near patios, walkways, or seating areas in the garden. Their low-water needs make them a great choice for residents looking to maintain beautiful landscaping while conserving water.

The chocolate flower is just one example of how desert-friendly plants can add both beauty and sensory appeal to outdoor spaces without requiring excessive irrigation.

Residents interested in adding this plant to their garden are encouraged to check with local nurseries, where chocolate flowers and other drought-tolerant options are often available.

Water Wise Wednesday continues to showcase practical and attractive ways for Coachella Valley residents to create sustainable landscapes suited to the desert environment.

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