Vachellia schaffneri, commonly known as Schaffner’s Acacia, is a semi-deciduous shrub or small tree native to arid and semi-arid regions including the Tamaulipan mezquital, desert scrub, and thorn forests of northeastern Mexico and parts of Texas. It can grow up to 25 feet in height and is characterized by its thorny branches and a spreading canopy. The leaves are bipinnate, typical of the genus, and the plant bears clusters of bright yellow, puffball-like flowers in the spring, which are attractive to bees and other pollinators. The long, fuzzy seedpods mature in late summer and are a food source for livestock.

Schaffner’s Acacia is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in poor soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and restoration projects in arid environments. Its wood is dense and makes excellent firewood and charcoal, and it is also used locally for fence posts. The plant provides habitat and forage for wildlife, and its flowers are beneficial for pollinators. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. It is low-maintenance, requiring minimal water once established.CC BY-SA 4.0