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Parkinsonia microphylla
Parkinsonia microphylla Torr.
Yellow Paloverde, Foothill Paloverde, Littleleaf Paloverde
Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Synonym(s): Cercidium microphyllum
USDA Symbol: Pami5
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
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.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Fruit Type: Legume
Size Notes: Up to about 20 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May
Distribution
USA: AZ , CANative 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.
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
Bibliography
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. Wasowski
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Parkinsonia microphylla in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Parkinsonia microphylla in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Parkinsonia microphylla
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-11-17Research By: TWC Staff