Shreve's Prairie Acacia
Acaciella lemmonii
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
iNaturalist: © lynnharper (iNaturalist #133387470)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Acaciella
- Species:
- Acaciella lemmonii
- USDA Symbol:
- ACSH2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, white
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Blanchard's Prominent Moth (Syssphinx blanchardi), Cydia ninana, raspa sphinx moth (Syssphinx raspa), Syssphinx albolineata, Outis Skipper (Cogia outis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from root crown after fire; benefits from periodic fire to reduce competition.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid and semi-arid regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Warm stratification required — 30–60 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) followed by warm stratification for optimal germination.