Palo Brea, Sonoran Palo Verde
Synonym: Caesalpinia praecox, Cercidium viride, Cercidium spinosum, Cercidium plurifoliatum, Parkinsonia praecox, Cercidium australe, Cercidium goldmannii
Family: Fabaceae
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Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: 10-14, 18-20 Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 22°F (-5°C) Sun Exposure: Full sun, tolerates reflected sun Origin: Mexico and south to Peru and Ecuador, at low elevation, in low deciduous forests Growth Habits: Small deciduous tree, 20 to 40 feet tall (6-12 m), 20 feet wide (6 m); short bright green trunk, 12 inches in diameter (30 cm); arching growth; spines 0.2 to 0.4 inch long (5-10 mm) or more; bipinnate leaves Watering Needs: Little to no water when established, every month until established. It prefers a slightly alkaline soil Propagation: Seed |
The Palo Brea is the most tender of the Palo Verdes commonly used in the Phoenix area. The low hanging spiny branches can be a hazard.
Blooming Habits:
Yellow flowers in the spring. Upper flower petal often bears orange dots.
Fruiting Habits:
Brown flat papyraceous pods, 1.2 to 2.4 inches long (3-6 cm), 0.24 to 0.4 inch wide (6-10 mm).
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