Cercidium floridum, Parkinsonia florida

It is usually multi-trunked and has the most beautiful green bark. It has very small leaves and goes deciduous with drought or cold. When it does drop its leaves to conserve water, it is able to continue photosynthesizing through the green stems and trunk. In the Spring, the branches burst into bloom. The tree is covered in clusters of yellow, orchid-like blossoms. The tree has an overall bluish cast with small thorns. Being from the desert, it needs perfect drainage and is drought tolerant. Supplemental water does encourage more bloom. Makes a beautiful patio tree. Propagation: By seed.

Similar plants:

• Parkinsonia praecox, Cercidium praecox (Palo Brea)
• Parkinsonia sp., Cercidium sp. (Palo Verde)
• Parkinsonia aculeata (Jerusalem Thorn)