Blue Palo Verde Tree
Parkinsonia florida
| Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Category | Tree |
| Size | 25' x 25' |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Flower Season | Spring |
| Exposure | Full/Reflected Sun |
| Water | Very Low |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to Slow |
| Hardiness | 15°F |
| Notes: | Small Thorns |
Description
Blue Palo Verde tree is easily distinguished by its blue-green bark and brilliant spring flower display. It can grow to 25 feet tall, with a 25 foot spread. Its tiny leaves are cold and drought deciduous, but because of the blue-green stems, the tree looks evergreen from a distance. Blue Palo Verde typically has many trunks at the base and requires pruning to develop a “walk under” canopy. It is highly valued for its fantastic mid-spring flower display. Formerly called Cercidium floridum, the Blue Palo Verde tree was recently reclassified as Parkinsonia florida.
Maintenance
Blue Palo Verde tree should be planted in full sun or reflected heat, and in a soil with good drainage. It does require substantial pruning in the early stages to develop a “walk under” canopy. Treatments for Palo Verde Root Borer should be applied in the spring and summer. Also, a mite causes the distorted growth called “witches broom,” and this should be pruned out. Blue Palo Verde is extremely drought tolerant once established. Water young trees weekly in summer; monthly in winter. Water established trees only during extended periods of dry weather.
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