Parkinsonia is endemic to the dry regions, such as savannas and scrublands, of Africa, Central America, and Southern North America. The common name "Palo Verde" comes from its green bark, which is able to photosynthesize. Palo Verde is Spanish for "green stick".
Parkinsonia includes deciduous and evergreen shrubs and trees with narrow leaves and clusters of pea-like flowers.
| Plant Types: | Perennial, Tree |
| Light: | Partial Shade to Full Sun |
| Height: | 20 feet to 25 feet |
| Width: | 20 feet to 25 feet |
| Zones: | 8a to 11b |
| Bloom Color: | Yellow |
| Bloom Seasons: | Early spring, Mid spring, Late spring |
| Leaf Color: | Blue, Green |
| Special Features: | Attracts birds, North American native |
| Shape: | Rounded |
| Fertilizer: | Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food |
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Sow seeds in spring.
Growth is rapid at first but eventually slows. Grows best in full sun with low humidity. Works well as a hedge or in a shrub border. Tree species are nice specimen plants.
Blooms in the spring for an extended period of time, and then intermittently throughout the year. Followed by sometimes woody pea-like pods.
Does best with rich, well-draining soils.
Implement a balanced liquid fertilizer on a monthly basis between spring and summer.
Remove crossing shoots, annually, in late winter or early spring, to maintain a healthy framework. Plants grown indoors may require extensive pruning after the flowering season.
Spider mites. Parkinsonia is also prone to galls, dieback, leaf spots, and mushroom root rot.