Parkinsonia aculeata
Mexican Palo Verde, Jerusalem Thorn
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:
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.