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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

Light, airy tree with prickly stems and green bark. Very fast growing with sparse foliage & very long narrow leaves. Yellow flowers with orange red throats spring for at least a month. This is a messy and shortlived palo verdy. Usually found on limestone soils in areas with moisture but is strongly drought tolerant. Withstands saline conditions. Can be cold or drought deciduous.

 

Plant Type

Tree

Height Range

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

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

n/a

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds

Water Saving Tip:

In the fall, unless it is very hot outside, you can reduce your total watering time by 1/2.

Do not reduce run times, reduce the number of watering days.