Parkinsonia florida

Parkinsonia florida, commonly known as the Blue Palo Verde, is a species of Palo Verde tree native to the Sonoran Desert and surrounding areas in the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico. It is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that typically grows to a height of 15 to 30 feet.

Description

The Parkinsonia florida is characterized by its blue-green bark and leaves, which give the tree its common name. The bark is smooth and photosynthetic, allowing the tree to continue producing food even when it loses its leaves during periods of drought. The leaves are small and pinnately compound, with two to four pairs of leaflets. The tree produces bright yellow flowers in the spring, followed by brown seed pods in the summer.

Habitat and Distribution

The Parkinsonia florida is native to the Sonoran Desert, which spans parts of Arizona, California, and Northwestern Mexico. It is most commonly found in washes and on rocky slopes, where it can take advantage of the limited water resources in these arid environments. The tree is highly drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with annual rainfall as low as 3 inches.

Uses

The Parkinsonia florida has been used by indigenous peoples for various purposes. The Cahuilla people, for example, used the tree's seeds for food and its wood for making tools and weapons. Today, the tree is often used in landscaping for its drought tolerance and attractive appearance.

Conservation Status

The Parkinsonia florida is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, like many desert species, it may be threatened by climate change and habitat loss.

See Also

• Palo Verde
• Sonoran Desert
• Cahuilla