Texas Paloverde
Parkinsonia texana
Fabaceae (Legume family)
Description
Texas paloverde is a very thorny, deciduous, shrub or small tree that grows to be 4-10 feet tall. Its green bark carries out photosynthesis in times of drought.
It often appears leafless at first glance, but it actually has small, blueish-green leaves. Each leaf has 2-3 oblong leaflets. Texas paloverde often drops leaves in summer and will releaf after it rains. The yellow flowers are ruffled, have five petals, and a red spot. Its fruit is a 1-2 inch long legume that is flat and dark brown.
Texas paloverde's leaves are browsed by a variety of mammals from white-tailed deer to jackrabbits. The seeds are also browsed by a variety of animals from deer and feral hogs to kangaroo rats and birds. Cattle will eat the legumes.
Habitat
Texas paloverde occurs in sandy loams, clay, and shallow, well drained rocky soils throughout south Texas. It will often form loose colonies.
Images
Plant Characteristics
Flower Color: Yellow
Seed Type: Bean/Pod
Duration: Perennial
Stem Texture: Prickly, Spiny, or Thorny
Growth Habit: Shrub (Woody)
Leaf Shape
: Simple with Pinnate or Parallel Venation
Season: Warm
Distribution
: 02 - Gulf Prairies and Marshes, 06 - South Texas Plains, 07 - Edwards Plateau
Distributions
Distribution refers to the ecological region in Texas that a plant has been found. You can also view a clickable map.
Collection: Brush and Weeds
