Leucaena retusa [Fabaceae]

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Scientific Name Leucaena retusa USDA PLANTS Symbol LERE5
Common Name Littleleaf Leadtree ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 26768
Family Fabaceae (Pea) Wildflower Center Ref Click Here
Description Habitat: Dry, rocky, limestone soils.
Plant: Multi-stemmed tree or shrub, usually 15 feet tall or less; brittle, unarmed stems.
Leaves: Bi-pinnately-compound leaves, up to 7 inches long divided into about 3 or 4 pairs of large leaflets that are further divided into about 5 or 6 pairs of much smaller oblong to elliptic or obovate leaflets, 1/4 to 1 inch long.
Inflorescence: Bright yellow flowers in dense globes about 1 inch across, protruding stamens.
Bloom Period: April to July.
Fruit: Narrow linear pods 6 to 10 inches long, pointed on both ends.
References: "Little Big Bend" by Roy Morey, "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston, and Texas A&M.
BONAP Distribution Map

Texas Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2022