Catclaw Acacia
Senegalia greggii
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
iNaturalist: © thunefeld (iNaturalist #35346584)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Senegalia
- Species:
- Senegalia greggii
- USDA Symbol:
- SEGR4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 900 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- cream, yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Burns' buck moth (Hemileuca burnsi), Hubbard's silk moth (Syssphinx hubbardi), Melipotis novanda, tricolor buckmoth (Hemileuca tricolor), Zaleops umbrina
Reported Fauna Sightings
Butterflies:Marine Blue (Leptotes marina)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies, small mammals
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously after fire from root crown; fire can stimulate seed germination.
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:
- adapted to arid desert conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 30–90 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) followed by warm stratification then cold stratification for optimal germination.
Pre-treatment: Seeds are scarified by clipping prior to a 4 to 5 hour water soak.
Source: npn.rngr.net
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Native Seed Group (seeds)