Botanical Name: Parkinsonia aculeata
Common Name: Mexican Palo Verde, Jerusalem Thorn Type of Plant: dicot: tree Character deciduous Habit of Growth: Overall Shape an upright to spreading, multi-trunk plant with distinct smooth green thorny trunks and branches; branches arch outward and droop to form a loose, widely rounded canopy Height 20-30' (40') Spread equal or more Growth Rate rapid Environment: Exposure outdoors full sun preferred; tolerates partial Soil thrives in most except wet poorly drained soils Hardiness hardy (zones 12-24); best suited for warm, low-elevations Morphology: Leaves pinnately compound, clustered on short branches mostly sessile; 6-12" (18") long; each leaf has 40-80 tiny bright green oval leaflets Flowers bright yellow, turning orange in the centers; 1/2-3/4" wide in slender 3"-6" long racemes; cover almost entire canopy; summer Fruit a pod: cylindrical, 2-6" long, constricted between seeds Propagation: seed (scarify) Usage: a beautiful accent tree for its loose open canopy and spectacular summer flower display; good for filtered shade, erosion control on dry slopes; usable as large barrier if left unpruned; messy Landscape Care: Watering an occasional deep soak; is very drought resistant after established Fertilizing none is required Pruning head high and develop open framework; thin out Pests/Diseases relatively free Special Conditions/Other Origin: Northern Mexico Family: Fabaceae Notes: |
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