Cercidium hybrid 'Desert Museum'

Sunset

Zones 12, 13, 18-20, 29

Full

Minimal

Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Trees

CERCIDIUM

Tough, trouble-free desert trees valued for floral display, shade, colorful bark. Clusters of small, bright yellow flowers nearly hide the spiny branches in spring. Lightly filtered shade is cast by intricate canopy of twigs rather than by tiny leaves, which are shed early. These trees attract birds. Prune only to enhance form, removing crossing, wayward, or too low branches; hold off on pruning when temperatures rise above 100°F/38°C.

Cercidium hybrid 'Desert Museum'

This tree carries genes from Parkinsonia aculeata, Cercidium microphyllum, and C. floridum and combines the best traits of all three. It grows to 20 ft. tall and as wide in 3 to 5 years. Large (1-in.) yellow blossoms appear over a long period; flowering is most profuse in spring, with rebloom possible in summer. Light green stems and leaves. This is a clean, thornless tree that produces few seedpods and scant litter.