Flaigg, Norman G.
Leucaena retusa Benth.
Goldenball leadtree, Littleleaf leadtree
Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Evergreen, slender
shrub or small
tree with many showy balls of golden-yellow flowers throughout spring and summer. Little-leaf leadtree or goldenball leadtree is a small, multi-trunked
tree or large shrub,12-15 ft. tall, which can reach 25 ft. Airy, light-green foliage occurs on brittle stems.
Bark is flaky and cinnamon-colored. Sweet-smelling flowers occur in 1 in., yellow-orange globes and will appear after every rain from summer through fall.
This attractive, small
tree is sometimes cultivated in warm regions for the showy yellow flowers, conspicuous pods, and
evergreen foliage. It is a good browse plant for cattle.
Image Gallery:
20 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Tree Leaf Retention: Evergreen Leaf Arrangement: Alternate Leaf Complexity: Bipinnate Size Notes: 12-24
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit: Blue
Size Class: 12-36 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Distribution
USA: NM , TX
Native Distribution: In TX, Edwards Plateau w. to Davis & Chisos Mts.; also n. Mex.
Native Habitat: Rocky, limestone areas; dry canyons. Western Edwards Plateau. Well-drained loam, sand, clay, limestone, caliche.
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Cold Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Dry, rocky, limestone or igneous soils. Rocky, Limestone-based, Caliche type, Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay.
Conditions Comments: Goldenball lead-tree is a gorgeous small
tree that grows well in rocky soil. The yellow puffball flowers exude a sweet aroma. Its wood is rather weak and has been known to snap in strong winds. Open enough that sun-loving species can bloom underneath.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Deer Resistant: Minimal
Last Update: 2009-04-23
