Native Plant Database

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Parkinsonia microphylla (Yellow paloverde)
Wasowski, Sally and Andy

Parkinsonia microphylla Torr.

Yellow paloverde, Foothill Paloverde, Littleleaf paloverde

Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Synonyms: Cercidium microphyllum

USDA Symbol: PAMI5

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Small, spiny tree that is leafless most of the year, with yellow-green trunk and wide, much-branched, open crown.

The Spanish common name, paloverde, meaning green tree or green pole, describes the smooth, green branches and twigs. During most of the year, in the absence of leaves, the branches and twigs manufacture food. This adaptation to a desert habitat exposes less surface to the sun, aiding moisture retention. Called Foothill or Yellow Paloverde, the species has a yellowish hue to its branches and foliage and occupies drier foothills. Blue Paloverde (P. florida), which has blue-green branches and foliage, occurs chiefly along drainages, blooms earlier, and has larger, deeper yellow flowers. Native Americans ground and ate the beanlike seeds of both species.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA
Native Distribution: Arizona, se. California, and nw. Mexico; at 500-4000 (152-1219 m).
Native Habitat: Associated with Saguaro on desert plains and rocky slopes of foothills and mountains.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
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PlantWise: Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants

Parkinsonia microphylla (Yellow paloverde) is a PlantWise native alternative for:

   Caragana arborescens (Siberian peashrub)

Find Seed or Plants

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

* Available Online from Wildflower Center Store

Bibliography

* Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. Wasowski

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Parkinsonia microphylla in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Parkinsonia microphylla in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Parkinsonia microphylla

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-02-20
Research By: TWC Staff

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