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| Scientific Name | Parkinsonia aculeata | USDA PLANTS Symbol | PAAC3 |
| Common Name | Mexican Paloverde, Paloverde, Jerusalem Thorn, Retama | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 26826 |
| Family | Fabaceae (Pea) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description | Habitat: Arroyos, sandy plains, flood plains and low-lying areas where water accumulates; 3,000-4,500 ft. Plant: Many-branched, deciduous tree or shrub up to 30+ feet tall, smooth green bark, armed with many recurved spines; long slightly drooping branches bearing many long, delicate leaves and sprays of yellow flowers. Leaves: Alternate and pinnately twice-compound, protected by three sharp spines at base; initial leaflets 15 to 18 inches long, 10 to 25 ultimate leaflet pairs, each 1/8 to 3/16-inch long. Inflorescence: Many racemes 4 to 6 inches long of bright yellow flowers each up to 1 to 1-3/8 inches across arising from leaf axils; 5 broad, unequal-length yellow petals turning orange as they wither, banner petal initially with basal red-orange spots or flecks; 5 smaller seperate yellow sepals. Bloom Period: April to September. References: "Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country" by Marshall Enquist, "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston, SEINet and www.wildflower.org. |
BONAP Distribution Map |
Texas Status: Native |
