Description
Form: A multi-trunked shrub, or with pruning, a tree.
Leaf retention: Semi-evergreen. The leaves drop and are quickly replaced before blooming.
Growth rate: Slow to moderate.
Mature Size: 12-15' high and wide.
Flowers: Creamy white puffballs, 1/2" diameter, in terminal clusters.
Bloom: Spring.
Fruit: A flat seed pod, constricted around seed, turning dark brown.
Leaves: Tiny green leaflets, with a fern-like appearance, turn yellow, then drop mid-spring and are
quickly replaced. This tree provides light filtered shade.
Stems: No thorns.
Roots: Nitrogen-fixing*. Both root and stem suckers are produced at the base of its trunk.
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies, bees. A caterpillar food plant for some species of butterflies.
Desert birds use the tree for shelter and nesting.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: Arizona and Mexico.
Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 9b-10 in arid regions. Damaged at
28°F.
Heat tolerant: Yes.
Drought tolerant: Yes.
Sun: Full sun to part shade.
Water after becoming established: Once or twice a month.
Soil: Well drained, dry to moist, pH 6.1-9.0 (slightly acidic to highly alkaline).
*Do not use a nitrogen fertilizer.
Mulch: This plant is self-mulching in the spring. Allow some leaf litter to stay under the tree,
but avoid a heavy build-up.
Prune: Remove suckers from the base of the trunk as needed. To shape into a tree, select three main
stems in winter and remove the rest, then gradually remove the lowest branches over several years in winter.
This tree will not conform to a specific shape but can be guided.
Litter: High. Leaves, flowers, and seedpods.
Propagation: Seed, which must be scarified. This tree can reseed itself under favorable conditions.
Uses: Ornamental, xeric garden.
Comments
This plant is a member of the Legume family (Fabaceae). It will naturally grow into a
monster shrub if left on its own.
Do you have additional information or a different experience for these plants that you would
like to share? Email info@GardenOracle.com. All contributions are welcome and appreciated.