parkinsonia
( par - kin - SOH - nee - uh )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of flowering deciduous trees, known under the alternative botanical name Cercidium and under the common name Palo Verde, needs full sun and little to moderate water to perform well. These trees are some of the best desert shade trees, and have beautiful bark and flowers. Blooms are bright yellow, and leaves drop quickly in response to drought and cold. The flowering branches are attractive in cut flower arrangements.
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Parkinsonia Species and Varietals
The best growing zones for Parkinsonia vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Parkinsonia aculeata (Jarusalem Thorn, Mexican Palo Verde) This species is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, and grows well in zones 8-24, H1 and H2. It reaches 15-30 feet tall and about as wide, and has yellow-green bark and spiny twigs. Flowers bloom in springtime, and intermittently through the rest of the year. They are followed by seed pods that drop off the tree in summertime, creating a bit of a litter problem. Will reseed freely in desert climates, and can tolerate alkaline soils. |
Parkinsonia 'Desert Museum' Best in zones 8-14 and 18-20, this species is a hybrid between Parkinsonia aculeata, Parkinsonia microphyllum, and PArkinsonia floridum. These trees reach 20 feet tall and just as wide in just 3-5 years, and has large blooms that appear most profusely in springtime, and rebloom if possible in summer. Stems and leaves are light green, and this tree has no thorns. |
Parkinsonia floridum (Blue Palo Verde) This species does well in zones 8-14 and 18-20 and is native to desert areas in southern California, Arizona, and Baja California. Reaches 35 feet tall and 30 feet wide in garden settings. Leaves are blue-green, as are branches, and flowers are bright, pure yellow, blooming in clusters in springtime. |
Parkinsonia microphyllum (Parkinsonia microphylla) (Little-Leaf Palo Verde, Foothills Palo Verde) Does well in zones 8-14 and 18-20, and are native to southern California, Arizona's Sonoran Desert, and Baja California. Slowly reaches 20 feet tall and just as wide, with yellow-green leaves and bark. Springtime flowers are pale yellow. |
Parkinsonia praecox (Palo Brea, Sonoran Palo Verde) This species grows best in zones 10-14 and 18-20, and is native from the Sonoran Desert down through South America. It has an umbrella-shape when mature, and a moderate growth rate, reaching 20 feet tall and wide. Bark is lime green as are leaves, and springtime flowers are bright yellow. |
Caring for and pruning parkinsonia Trees
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 475, Parkinsonia
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