Parkinsonia aculeata
Mexican Palo Verde, Jerusalem Thorn
Oʼodham[unknown]
Description
Parkinsonia aculeata is characterized by leaf petioles that are modified into a 10 inch long, thread-like rachis. The tree may reach 40 feet in height and has relatively few branches that are long and rather flexible. It inhabits sandy flats and roadsides in northwestern Mexico and, in Arizona, around the Altar Valley between 2500 and 4500 ft elevation. It also is widely planted as an ornamental and escapes easily into the surrounding desert. In Springtime, it is covered with a mass of yellow / orange flowers. Also see Parkinsonia florida and Parkinsonia microphylla.
