Mexican Palo Verde
Parkinsonia aculeata
Also listed as Parkinsonia spinosa, Parkinsonia thornberi
Also known as Jerusalem Thorn, Palo Verde, Barbados Flowerfence
Climate Match for your location
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A thorny, fast-growing desert tree with feathery green bark and bright yellow flowers. Highly drought-tolerant and adaptable to harsh conditions.
Why grow it
Mexican palo verde establishes faster and tolerates more extreme aridity than most other leguminous desert trees, making it useful where water availability is severely limited. Its photosynthetic bark allows some productivity even when deciduous, and the nitrogen-fixing capacity typical of Parkinsonia species can benefit surrounding plantings in poor soils. Compared to native desert alternatives in many regions, it requires less establishment care once established.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from supplemental water during their first year or two to develop a robust root system, despite the mature tree's drought tolerance. The dense thorns require careful positioning away from high-traffic areas and regular pruning if grown in confined spaces. Seed production is prolific and self-sowing can occur in favorable microclimates, necessitating monitoring if you wish to contain spread.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native Range
Mexico and southwestern United States
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A thorny, fast-growing desert tree with feathery green bark and bright yellow flowers. Highly drought-tolerant and adaptable to harsh conditions.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Mexican Palo Verde grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Mexican palo verde establishes faster and tolerates more extreme aridity than most other leguminous desert trees, making it useful where water availability is severely limited. Its photosynthetic bark allows some productivity even when deciduous, and the nitrogen-fixing capacity typical of Parkinsonia species can benefit surrounding plantings in poor soils. Compared to native desert alternatives in many regions, it requires less establishment care once established.
Watch out for
Young trees benefit from supplemental water during their first year or two to develop a robust root system, despite the mature tree's drought tolerance. The dense thorns require careful positioning away from high-traffic areas and regular pruning if grown in confined spaces. Seed production is prolific and self-sowing can occur in favorable microclimates, necessitating monitoring if you wish to contain spread.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native Range
Mexico and southwestern United States
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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