Parkinsonia aculeata
jerusalem thorn, mexican palo verde, jerusalem-thorn, retama, paloverde, horsebean, lluvia de oro
Family
Fabaceae
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Attachment
sessile
Leaf Type
bipinnate, compound
Growth Form
shrub, tree
Flower Color
yellow
Flower Petals
5
Flower Month
April - August
Height (meters)
10.0
Milky Sap
No
Armed/Unarmed
Armed
Origin
native
Lifespan
perennial
Leaf Retention
Deciduous
Wetland Class
FAC
Animal Use
Insects eat the nectar and birds as well as small mammals eat the seeds. This tree is used as browse, as a nesting site, and for cover. Honey bees produce fragrant honey from the flowers.
Habitat
Flood plains, bottomland, hillside chaparral, and disturbed grasslands.