Mexican
Palo VerdeMexican
Palo VerdeThis desert-adapted, evergreen tree is short-lived (15 to 20 years). The midribs are very long (up to 16 inches) with tiny leaves, producing a weeping effect. It grows very fast to 15 or 20 feet with a crown spread as wide or wider.
Thrives in heat. Young trees are badly damaged at about 18F. Older trees can tolerate slightly lower temperatures, to 15F.
Will grow without irrigation in low zones with 10 to 12 inches of annual rainfall, but best with some supplemental irrigation or runoff. Tolerates ample watering, such as in a lawn.
Full to reflected sun.
Tolerant. Accepts alkaline. Prefers sandy soils with good drainage.
None to periodic depending on location and taste.
Becomes woody and less attractive with age. Subject to palo verde beetle, which eats the roots. Produces small, dirty pod. Petioles drop. Volunteers readily. Sharp thorns in spring. Occasionally suffers mistletoe infestations and frost damage. Mite infestation causes witches broom. Old trees rot on inside.
BloomBeautiful yellow and orange flowers in early spring.
Slender yellowish pods to six inches long follow bloom.
Easily grows where little else will. Street, patio or lawn tree. Fast filtered shade for short-term use.
Native to the southernmost tip of Arizona into Mexico and other warm parts of America, but is widely cultivated and has naturalized in many areas. Member of the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family.
Native, Desert Grassland, Desert, Desert Transitional, Tropical.