Botanical Scout plant profile

Retama / Texas Palo Verde

Parkinsonia aculeata

Green bark, yellow flowers, and fine foliage that moves in the breeze. Choose it for fast growth and an airy canopy.

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See what your seedlings can become

Mature plant shown for reference. Seedlings are what you receive.

Mature Retama or Texas Palo Verde tree in the landscape — Mature plant — growth reference

Three young Retama seedlings growing together in a green nursery pot beside a measuring tape — Seedlings — plants you receive

Plant fit at a glance

Mature height & width: About 15–25 ft tall with a similar spread
Foliage: Deciduous; leaf loss also occurs during drought
Winter cold: Warm-climate tree; freezing weather can damage young plants and branch tips
Before planting: Thorny branches; allow clearance from paths and play areas.

Dimensions and cold guidance describe established plants, not a guarantee for seedlings. Protect young plants; soil, drainage, exposure, and freeze duration matter.

Growing reference

Open the growing guide

Before you choose

Is it a good match for your landscape?

Mature form: Airy, fast-growing small tree
Growing conditions: Full sun · Hot, exposed sites · Alkaline or lean soils · Low water once established

Give it full sun and room to develop as a small tree. Drought tolerance strengthens as roots establish, and winter protection supports young plants during unusually severe weather.

Acclimation, establishment watering, and arrival care are explained once in the Botanical Scout growing guide →

The personal story

Why I keep growing Retama / Texas Palo Verde

It can look airy and almost delicate, yet its green bark and drought-deciduous habit reveal a plant engineered for survival.

Retama combines green bark, yellow flowers, and slender foliage that moves gently in the breeze. Its open canopy gives this durable small tree a light presence in the landscape.

It belongs near the top of the list of the toughest plants I grow. What I especially enjoy is the contrast between its resilience and the soft, flowing movement of its fine foliage and branchlets.

Retama / Texas Palo Verde

See what your seedlings can become

Plant fit at a glance

Is it a good match for your landscape?

Why I keep growing Retama / Texas Palo Verde

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