Parkinsonia microphyllum
Foothills Palo Verde
Description
Smaller shade tree from 10-20' tall and wide. Trees are leafless for most of the year, except following rains. Plants are very drought tolerant, although supplemental watering during the dry season will speed up growth rate. Yellow flowers cover the tree during spring. Watch out for thorns. This is a long lived tree that is native to the Southwestern USA including California. It does best in well draining soil such as sandy or rocky soil.
Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Height Range
12-25'
Width Range
12-25'
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Season
Spring
Leaf Color
Green, Light Green
Bark Color
Green
Fruit Color
Yellow
Fruit Season
Summer
Sun
Full
Water
Very Low
Growth Rate
Moderate, Slow
Soil Type
Sandy, Loam, Rocky
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
Attracts Bees, Thorns/Spines
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers, Silhouette, Specimen, Unusual Foliage
Seasonal Interest
Winter, Spring, Summer
Location Uses
Background, Parking Strip, Patio, Parking Lot, With Rocks
Special Uses
Erosion Control, Shade Tree, Fire Resistant, Naturalizing
Attracts Wildlife
Birds
Water Saving Tip:
Move turf away form sidewalks and pavement.
Instead plant shrubs or groundcovers next to the pavement, and water with low-flow drip or bubbler system to eliminate runoff from turf sprinklers