Description
Form: Tree.
Leaf retention: Cold and drought deciduous.
Growth rate: Moderate to rapid depending upon water.
Mature Size: 20-30' (6-9m) high and 20-40' (6-12m) wide.
Flowers: Showy 1" (2.5cm) yellow flowers with five petals.
Bloom: A profuse bloom in spring, lasting about one month. Some individuals may continue to produce a few flowers through summer. Bloom times start later at higher elevations.
Fruit: Light brown seed pods, varying from few to many depending on cultivar.
Leaves: Small, oval, green leaflets. This tree provides light, filtered shade.
Stems: Yellow-green, photosynthesizing, smooth bark, spineless, or spines are weak and non-sharp.
Roots: Nitrogen-fixing*.
Wildlife: The flowers attract bees and hummingbirds. The seedpods attract birds and small mammals.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: Researchers at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 8-11a.
Heat tolerant: Yes.
Drought tolerant: Yes.
Sun: Full sun.
Soil: Well draining, pH 5.6-8.5 (acidic to alkaline). *Do not use a nitrogen fertilizer.
Water once established: Deep water once a month. Supplemental water improves growth rate.
Prune: In warm weather, when the tree is young, remove the lowest branches for a walk-under tree. Disinfect cutting tools before pruning, by wiping with 70-100% isopropyl alcohol before and between each plant, to avoid spreading plant diseases.
Litter: Flowers, pods.
Propagation: Cuttings. The seed is not true to its parents.
Pests: Larvae of the palo verde root borer (Derobrachus geminatus) feed on this tree. They grow up to 4 inches in length. No chemical treatment is effective; a healthy tree is the best defense. Mistletoe should be removed quickly.
Uses: Ornamental.

Comments
These hybrids are crosses between Blue, Yellow, and sometimes Mexican, Palo Verde species which are members of the Legume family (Fabaceae). The most well-known hybrid is 'Desert Museum'.

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