Mexican Palo Verde
Parkinsonia aculeata
Mexican Palo Verde
Parkinsonia aculeata
- Parkinsonia aculeata, commonly known as Palo Verde or Jerusalem Thorn, is a fast growing, drought tolerant tree that brings a light, airy presence into the landscape. It’s especially useful in desert and Mediterranean designs where filtered shade and movement are preferred over dense canopy.
- The most distinctive feature is its green trunk and branches, which continue to photosynthesize even when the tree drops its leaves during dry periods. This gives it year round visual interest and a unique, almost sculptural quality.
- The foliage is fine and feathery, creating a soft, open canopy that allows light to pass through. This makes it a great option for areas where you want shade without blocking out the sky or surrounding plantings.
- In spring and often intermittently through warmer months, it produces bright yellow flowers that add a seasonal burst of color. The blooms can be quite showy against the green branching structure.
- It grows quickly and can take on a slightly irregular, natural form, which works well in looser, more organic landscape styles.
- Parkinsonia aculeata grows best in full sun and requires well drained soil. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant and thrives in hot, dry conditions.
- It typically reaches about 15 to 25 feet tall and wide, forming an open, spreading canopy. It is well suited for USDA zones 8 through 11. The foliage is semi deciduous depending on conditions.
- This plant has low toxicity, but the branches do have thorns, so placement should be considered in high traffic areas.
- The flowers attract pollinators such as bees.
- It is generally deer resistant.
- Parkinsonia aculeata fits especially well into desert, Mediterranean, and naturalistic garden designs, where its light canopy and unique structure can be used to create movement and filtered shade.
- It pairs well with plants like Hesperaloe parviflora to add vertical flowering accents, Encelia farinosa (Brittlebush) to reinforce a desert palette, and Echeveria ‘Black Prince’ to introduce a low, contrasting succulent layer beneath the canopy.
- Expert Tip:
- Place this away from high traffic areas, because the branches carry thorns that can become an issue over time. Allowing space around it also helps highlight its open structure and keeps the form from feeling crowded.
- — Nick from Rooted Theory
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun (6+ Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
Water Needs:
Low,
Low to Moderate
Foliage:
Semi-deciduous
Form:
Upright Rounded Canopy
Mature Width:
18-22'
Mature Height:
18-22'
Proper planting technique will help your plants thrive! Follow these simple steps to help your plants establish quickly, develop a strong root system, and live longer:
- Properly dig the hole
- Amend the soil to suit each particular plant
- Place the plant and backfill the soil
- Provide ample water for each particular plant
- Review our how to plant guide!
For detailed information, please download our planting guides: