Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
Parkinsonia is the botanical name for the lovely drought-tolerant Pale Verde, which includes some 29 species, most of which occur in the warmer, drier portions of the Americas. The genus is named for John Parkinson (1567-1650), a London apothecary and gardener and author of two very important botanical books of his time.
Palo Verde, or “green wood” in Spanish, has a thin, almost waxy green bark studded with large thorns. The smooth greenish trunk and branches have, for a large part, taken over the photosynthesis (the chlorophyll-making process) in dry periods when the plant sheds its leaves.
The trees or small shrubs grow in the Sonoran Desert of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico and have adapted to survive the killing heat of the desert sun. The species Parkinsonia aculeate, or Mexican Palo Verde, is sometimes called the Jerusalem Thorn. Its range is from Florida to Arizona and south into the deserts of northern Mexico.
Another species, Cercidium floridum, or Blue Palo Verde, which can sometimes be found in local nurseries, is considered a small drought-tolerant tree to about 20 to 25 feet in height. The name “floridum” means “full of flowers.”
Both of these lovely architectural trees have showers of yellow flowers in spring here in Southern California. The trees can be opened up with selective pruning to enhance and show off their stylish green and unusual branches. Up-lighting the trees at night in the garden is a spectacular way to enjoy their beauty after dusk.
The distinctive differences between these two species are the leaf shapes and sizes. Cercidium is small and delicate, while Parkinsonia has long, lineal leaves.
With the recent dry years and only a few inches of rain on record this year, we are definitely experiencing some weather changes in our area. I have used the Palo Verde in my landscape designs for years; I have placed them in sparse arid/desert-like gardens, used them in large pots as specimens for a few years (later to be planted out into the garden) and even espaliered them against hot south-facing stucco walls as an art form. The unique green branches, lacy open foliage and wonderful spring blossoms certainly have a place in many landscape settings.
They really are a great little tree for small yards and small spaces, so give the Palo Verde a try in your existing or new garden room. I recently saw a nice collection of these trees over at Myrtle Creek Nursery here in Fallbrook.
Trees are one of nature’s true miracles in how they survive, adapt and bless the Earth. It should alarm you that it has been estimated the planet has lost about 50 percent of its forests. What you do now to help prevent the destruction of future forests can be a part of the legacy you leave behind.
Trees are the lungs of the earth and she must breathe. Whether you plant some trees in your own backyard or community or invest in groups like American Forest, time is a-ticking.
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the next best time is today.
Editor’s Note: Roger Boddaert is an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist.
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