Also known as Retama, Paloverde, Mexican Paloverde, Jerusalem Thorn, Horsebean, Lluvia De Oro.
The Paloverde is a spiny shrub or small tree that can reach heights of up to 30 feet, although it typically grows to about half that. Its long, graceful branches are adorned with delicate leaves and lovely sprays of yellow flowers. Each flower features five cheerful yellow petals, measuring between 1/3 to 2/3 inches long, and are almost identical, with one special petal that has a sweet honey gland at its base, staying on the stalk longer than the rest. During the warm months, especially after rain, you can find a stunning display of blossoms on the Paloverde. The seedpods are usually around 3 to 5 inches long, narrow, and gently constrict between the seeds. The leaf structure is quite unique—each leaf stem produces two nearly parallel stalks, each 15-18 inches long, with 10-25 pairs of leaflets. It’s quite natural for the leaflets to drop off during the summer, as the stems continue to function as leaves.
This delightful, fast-growing tree is native to central Texas, stretching down to northern South America and westward to Arizona. It sports unusual green bark and enjoys a long blooming season. Besides its beauty, the Paloverde is drought- and heat-resistant, along with being tolerant of saline conditions. While it thrives best in areas that aren’t too wet or too dry, it can become quite enthusiastic in moist environments. If it doesn’t receive enough moisture, it might lose all its leaves, but don’t worry—this doesn’t detract from its charm. During drought conditions, the chlorophyll production shifts to the trunk and branches, making them even more vibrant green. Interestingly, the name “Jerusalem Thorn” doesn’t refer to the Middle Eastern city; it actually comes from the Spanish and Portuguese word “girasol,” meaning “turning toward the sun.” This lovely tree truly loves basking in full sunlight.
BONAP MAP
Height: 15-20′ Spread: 20’-25′ Bloom: April-August Light: Full Sun Water: Low-Medium Zone: 8-11 Origin: Texas
