Common name:Mexican Palo Verde, Jerusalem Thorn
Botanical name:Parkinsonia aculeata
The Mexican Palo Verde has prickly stems. This tree is very fast growing with sparse foliage and very long narrow leaves. Yellow flowers with orange red throats bloom sporadically. It is very messy, thorny, weedy and short-lived. This tree is usually found on limestone soils in areas with moisture but is strongly drought tolerant. It can withstand saline conditions. It can be cold or drought deciduous. It is beautiful in form being light and airy looking, with green bark.
Sustainable Fertilization
If you mulch heavily as recommended in the compost and mulch fact sheets you should not need traditional fertilization. Sustainable landscapes fertilize themselves as soil organisms break down and recycle the dropped leaves into nutrients.
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| Designer: Arlington Gardens | Arlington Gardens 14 |
Photographer: Greg Applegate |
Soils and Compost:
Physical weed control, including mulching, or hand removal protects the watershed from harmful chemicals.
Water Saving Tip:
Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.
Integrated Pest Management:
Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.