Cercidium praecox praecox

Palo Brea

Tree

This small tree grows 12 to 20 feet high and as wide. The tree usually has deciduous period from drought or cold, but it can hold its small leaves all year. The bark is a smooth apple-green and has picturesque trunk and branch structure.

Temperature

In most cases tolerates temperatures as low as 19F, but may show cold stress or freezing at that temperature.

Water requirements

Highly drought resistant. Can survive in as little as seven inches a year, but will remain small. Best with moderate water in warm season. Accepts occasional to lawn irrigation.

Sun

Full and reflected sun.

Soil

Accepts all but needs good drainage.

Maintenance

Little other than cleanup of pod litter and some staking and pruning to shape into tree form.

Disadvantages

Borderline cold tenderness and hardiness can vary. Does not recover quickly from cold damage. Heavy crop of beans after bloom.

Bloom

Bright yellow blooms in mid-spring.

Fruit or Seeds

Green pods follow bloom and eventually drop.

Uses

Small tree for street or residence, roadsides, medians.

Origin

From Sonora, Mexico. Member of the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family.

Cultivars

C.p. glaucum, Argentine palo brea, grows slowly to moderately fast. Hardier than C.p. praecox but is winter deciduous. Grows faster and looks better with monthly summer soakings.

C. sonorae is a hybrid of C. microphyllum and C. praecox. Has tighter, less luxuriant foliage and darker green bark and twigs. Hardier. Grows from the seed of wild plants, it is cold and drought deciduous.

Themes

Native, Desert Grassland, Desert, Desert Transitional, Subtropical

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