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Blue Palo Verde

Parkinsonia florida

true

5 gallon; 1 gallon

Blue Palo Verde

In stock

20'x20'

Sizes:

Blue Palo Verde - Parkinsonia florida
Synonym: Cercidium floridum (older usage)

The common name Palo Verde refers to the green bark of the trunk and limbs, which are capable of low-level photosynthesis when the tree is leafless. The Blue Palo Verde has a slight blue-green tint to the bark and leaves. Its small, rounded leaves are readily dropped in response to dryness.

Attractive yellow flowers appear in spring but can also bloom in response to summer rainfall. The seed pod resembles mesquite and is valued by numerous animals. When in bloom, the Blue Palo Verde attracts a variety of bees and other pollinating insects and provides year-round habitat for birds. This is usually a low-branching, often multi-trunk tree.

The Blue Palo Verde naturally grows along dry washes, making it an extremely drought-tolerant choice. Supplemental watering encourages faster growth but may result in weak limbs and a shortened lifespan. It’s best to reduce or discontinue supplemental water once the tree is established. The Blue Palo Verde tends to bloom a little earlier than other Palo Verdes, and its rounder leaf is an appealing feature—well worth the thorns, in my opinion.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: Larval host for Southwestern Dogface (Zerene cesonia) and other native butterflies.
Nectar Source: Numerous native bees, including specialist Centris species; honey bees; butterflies; moths.
Bird Resources: Fruit/seeds; nectar; nuts; shelter; nesting habitat; insect forage.
Bird Species: Grosbeaks (Pheucticus melanocephalus), Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus, Spinus psaltria), Hummingbirds (Calypte anna, Calypte costae), Sparrows (Amphispiza bilineata, Melospiza melodia), Woodpeckers (Melanerpes uropygialis), Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana), Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura), Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus), Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps)
Other Wildlife: Provides forage for desert mammals such as ground squirrels and acts as cover for reptiles and small mammals.

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native

Water needs:

Very Low

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

20'x20'

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Yellow

Flower season:

Spring

Pruning:

To shape

Cold Hardiness:

22 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.