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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

Prickly stems. Very fast growing with sparse foliage & very long narrow leaves. Yellow flowers with orange red throats spring for month+. Very messy, thorny, weedy & shortlived. Usually found on limestone soils in areas with moisture but is strongly drought tolerant. Withstands saline conditions. Can be cold or drought deciduous. Half hardy to Dallas. Light airy tree. Green bark.

 

Plant Type

Tree

Height Range

6-12', 12-25'

Width 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

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

n/a

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems.

Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.