Cercidium floridum, Parkinsonia florida
Blue Palo VerdeFamily: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
Origin: Sonoran Desert of California and Arizona
Cercidium floridum (Blue Palo Verde) is a striking Large shrub or Small tree native to the Sonoran Desert of California and Arizona. It grows 5-10 feet tall as a shrub and 10-20 feet as a tree. It is mainly grown in USDA Zone 8-10. It is a full sun loving plant and can tolerate moderate water in arid or dry conditions.
It is famous for its striking bark which looks bluish in color and has a greenish tint to it. The tree is also well known for its yellow and orange flowers that appear in clusters and bloom in Spring. This plant is also attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds and other animals.
Cercidium floridum (Blue Palo Verde) has a few thorns or spines which give it a protection from browsing animals. It is also very cold hardy and can withstand temperatures at least to the 30sF for a short duration. This makes it ideal for perennial gardens, as a feature specimen or even growing as a container plant.
In regions with colder winter also, the Blue Palo Verde can be grown if it is given proper care and planted in a protected area with full sun and good drainage. It should be watered regularly during hot dry spells and protected from frost. In winter, it should be given little to no water and adequate protection from snow and freezing temperatures. Container grown plants should be brought indoors in winter to protect them from freezing.
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