Parkinsonia aculeata [Fabaceae]

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Scientific Name Parkinsonia aculeata USDA PLANTS Symbol PAAC3
Common Name Mexican Paloverde, Paloverde, Jerusalem Thorn, Retama ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 26826
Family Fabaceae (Pea) SEINet
Reference
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Description Habitat: Arroyos, sandy plains, flood plains and low-lying areas where water accumulates; 3,000-4,500 ft.
Plant: Many-branched, deciduous tree or shrub up to 30+ feet tall, smooth green bark, armed with many recurved spines; long slightly drooping branches bearing many long, delicate leaves and sprays of yellow flowers.
Leaves: Alternate and pinnately twice-compound, protected by three sharp spines at base; initial leaflets 15 to 18 inches long, 10 to 25 ultimate leaflet pairs, each 1/8 to 3/16-inch long.
Inflorescence: Many racemes 4 to 6 inches long of bright yellow flowers each up to 1 to 1-3/8 inches across arising from leaf axils; 5 broad, unequal-length yellow petals turning orange as they wither, banner petal initially with basal red-orange spots or flecks; 5 smaller seperate yellow sepals.
Bloom Period: April to September.
References: "Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country" by Marshall Enquist, "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston, SEINet and www.wildflower.org.
BONAP Distribution Map

Texas Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2022