Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn
Acacia rigidula Benth.
Blackbrush acacia, Blackbrush, Catclaw, Chaparro prieto, Gavia
Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Spiny, stiff-branched, thicket-forming
shrub bearing numerous spikes of yellow flowers. Chaparro-prieto or blackbrush grows 5-15 ft. Prolific spikes of pale yellow, fragrant flowers are borne on the numerous stiff, thorny branches. The
bark of this
shrub is whitish in color. Its
semi-evergreen leaves are dark-green, glossy and pinnately compound.
This Texas
native is sometimes called Catclaw, thanks to its sharp, curved thorns.
Image Gallery:
17 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Tree Leaf Retention: Deciduous Leaf Arrangement: Alternate Fruit Type: Legume Flower: Flowers in 2 inch spikes
Fruit: Brown
Size Class: 6-12 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Yellow
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun
Distribution
USA: TX
Native Distribution: Rio Grande Plain to Austin and Big Bend; adjacent Mex.
Native Habitat: Prairie, Plains, Meadows, Pastures, Savannahs, Chaparral & brush country, Roadsides
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Cold Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay, Caliche type, Dry sand or limestone.
Conditions Comments: Slow-growing but vigorous, blackbrush acacia suckers readily. These suckers can be removed at ground level. Pruning encourages dense branching and more flowers. This plant has been used both as an ornamental and for erosion control.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Aromatic, Showy, Long-living, Erosion control, Blooms ornamental. This plant is used in rock gardens, landscapes, or xeriscapes.
Use Wildlife: Flowers are a source of honey. Nectar-bees, Nectar-butterflies, Nectar-moths, Nectar-insects, Seeds-granivorous birds, Browsed by deer.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Deer Resistant: Moderate
Last Update: 2008-10-31
