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(Parkinsonia praecox)
Palo Brea (Parkinsonia praecox)
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Jose Luis Navarro
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Jose Luis Navarro
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jose Luis Navarro | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Jose Luis Navarro | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-10-24T08:45:01-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Parkinsonia praecox, commonly known as Palo Brea, is a semi-deciduous tree native to Mexico, Central America South America. It typically grows to a height of 20-24 feet (6-7 meters) and a width of 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters). The tree is characterized by its open, spreading canopy and green, photosynthetic bark that allows it to survive in hot desert conditions. Palo Brea is notable for its bright yellow flowers that bloom in the spring, creating a showy display that attracts pollinators such as bees.
Palo Brea is valued for its drought tolerance and unique appearance, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping and desert gardens. It is often used as a focal point in landscape design due to its picturesque form and the striking contrast between its flowers and green bark. This tree requires minimal maintenance once established and thrives in full sun with low water needs, preferring well-drained soils. While it is generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Gardeners should be aware that its branches are armed with thorns, which can be a consideration for pedestrian areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Palo Brea is valued for its drought tolerance and unique appearance, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping and desert gardens. It is often used as a focal point in landscape design due to its picturesque form and the striking contrast between its flowers and green bark. This tree requires minimal maintenance once established and thrives in full sun with low water needs, preferring well-drained soils. While it is generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Gardeners should be aware that its branches are armed with thorns, which can be a consideration for pedestrian areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 20-24 feet
- Width: 6-8 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Very Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Other Names
Common Names: Brea, Palo Verde
Scientific Names: , Parkinsonia praecox, Cercidium praecox, Cercidium plurifoliolatum, Cercidium spinosum, Caesalpinia praecox, Cercidium goldmanii, Cercidium unijugum, Caesalpinia brea, Cercidium viride
GBIF Accepted Name: Parkinsonia praecox (Ruiz & Pav.) Hawkins