Cercidium praecox

Sunset

Zones 12, 13, 18-20, 29

Full

Moderate, Minimal

Sonoran Palo Verde, Palo Brea
Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Deciduous, 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 praecox

Native Sonoran Desert to South America. Moderate growth to 20 ft. tall and wide. Umbrella form; lime green bark and leaves divided into 12 to 14 pairs of 1/4 -in. leaflets.