Cercidium floridum

Blue Palo Verde

Tree

This moderately growing, medium tree (to 25 feet) is the state tree of Arizona and lives up to 40 years. It wants to be a shrub and has to be pruned into a tree. The crown is wide and sprawling. Short, blue-green leaves are paired on the main stem. It is partially deciduous in times of drought, but can photosynthesize from its bark. Bark and foliage are blue-green, but older trees can have rough, gray lower trunks.

Temperature

Hardy to 10F. Accepts heat with adequate water.

Water requirements

Nursery-grown trees grow best with some irrigation for a while, volunteers survive on rainfall alone with 11 to 12 inches of rain a year. Older trees look best with some water, especially in summer. Established trees tolerate periods of drought but may lose leaves.

Sun

Full to reflected sun.

Soil

Tolerant of most soils but needs good drainage.

Maintenance

Large, old trees will self prune. Drops something most of the year.

Disadvantages

Susceptible to palo verde beetle after rains. Litter of flowers, beans and leaves. Desert mistletoe infestations in crown.

Bloom

First to bloom in spring with yellow flowers.

Fruit or Seeds

Seed pods in fall.

Uses

Street, patio or garden tree. Specimen, grouping, row or silhouette plant.

Origin

Native to southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. Member of the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family.

Themes

Native, Desert Grassland, Desert, Desert Transitional, Informal

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