Jerusalem Thorn
Parkinsonia aculeata
- Native to:
- Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Galápagos, Guam, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Netherlands Antilles, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Southwest Caribbean, Turks-Caicos Is., United States, Uruguay, Venezuelan Antilles, Windward Is.
Neelix (en.wikipedia.org)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Parkinsonia
- Species:
- Parkinsonia aculeata
- USDA Symbol:
- PAAC3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 1000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
black-dotted melipotis (Melipotis acontioides)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Xylocopa sonorina Moths:black-dotted melipotis (Melipotis acontioides), Psamatodes abydata
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously after fire; seeds may be stimulated by heat.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- poor, sandy, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Adapted to arid and semi-arid regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) to break physical dormancy; germination occurs rapidly after treatment.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)