Yellow Paloverde

Parkinsonia microphylla

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Parkinsonia
Species:
Parkinsonia microphylla

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
20-40 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar, jun
Bloom Colors:
Yellow

Native Range

United States: Arizona, California

Keystone Species Ranking

Bee Keystone:
★★★☆☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Hubbard's silk moth (Syssphinx hubbardi), Syssphinx heiligbrodti, Syssphinx quadrilineata, tricolor buckmoth (Hemileuca tricolor)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
poor, sandy, well-drained soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid desert regions

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Scarification of the hard outer seed coat using hand pruners or sandpaper, followed by a 24-hour soak to confirm penetration of the seed coat. Discard any seeds that float as this indicates insect infestation.

Establishment: Seeds should be collected from sources where other Parkinsonia species are not found to avoid cross-pollination. Collection should occur from mid-June to mid-July, as soon as seed pod and seed are dry but before they fall to the ground.

Source: npn.rngr.net