 |
Acacia greggii-Catclaw Acacia
A woody perennial with slow to moderate growth developing into a large
shrub or small tree up to 15’ by 20’. Typically, it forms low growing,
dense thickets, the branches often appearing twisted and tangled covered
with thorny, curved thorns.
Hence the secondary name of “wait-a-minute-bush”.
Note that it is not considered a patio tree, but more of
a wildlife resource.
The leaves are doubly pinnate, feathery and gray green.
Bark is rough and dark.
Rod shaped drooping, cream color flowers occur in abundance in the
spring provided there has been ample winter rain.
The fragrant flowers are highly attractive to bees that
swarm the acacia in great numbers.
The honey produced is highly prized. The bean-like pods
are a favorite of quail and it provides necessary wildlife food
and shelter..
Native to much of the southwest, this tough drought
tolerant plant is typically found in areas under 5000 feet in
elevation on alkaline rocky hillsides and sandy desert flats.
It is winter or drought deciduous.
|
