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California Native Plant

Parkinsonia aculeata

Mexican Palo Verde, Jerusalem Thorn

Plant photo of: Parkinsonia aculeata
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Information by: Jerry Sortomme Editor        Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

 

Description

The Mexican Palo Verde has prickly stems. This tree is very fast growing with sparse foliage and very long narrow leaves. Yellow flowers with orange red throats bloom sporadically. It is very messy, thorny, weedy and short-lived. This tree is usually found on limestone soils in areas with moisture but is strongly drought tolerant. It can withstand saline conditions. It can be cold or drought deciduous. It is beautiful in form being light and airy looking, with green bark.

 

Plant Type

Tree

Height Range

6-12', 12-25'

Flower Color

Yellow

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Green

Bark Color

Green

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

Water

Very Low

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Sandy, Rocky

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

Adverse Factors

Thorns/Spines

Design Styles

Ranch

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Specimen

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring

Location Uses

Background, Lawn

Special Uses

Fire Resistant

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.