Foothill Palo Verde

Plant Type: Trees
Plant Height: 15-20 feet
Spread: 15-20 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Foothill Palo Verde (Parkinsonia microphylla): A Drought-Tolerant Native Tree for Arizona Landscapes

The Foothill Palo Verde (Parkinsonia microphylla) is an iconic tree native to the Sonoran Desert, admired for its drought resistance, striking yellow blooms, and ecological contributions to desert ecosystems. This tree is ideal for xeriscaping, desert landscaping, and wildlife-friendly gardens, combining ornamental appeal with sustainability.

Key Features of the Foothill Palo Verde

• Photosynthetic Bark: Known for its light green bark that can photosynthesize, the Foothill Palo Verde stays green and vibrant even when it sheds its leaves during dry conditions.
• Drought-Deciduous Foliage: The tree’s small, delicate leaves drop during drought to conserve water, allowing it to thrive in arid conditions.
• Show-Stopping Spring Blooms: In spring, the branches are covered in clusters of bright yellow flowers that provide essential nectar for pollinators, including bees and butterflies, adding vibrant color to the desert landscape.

Care and Growth Requirements

• Size: Typically reaches 15-20 feet tall and wide, with the potential to grow up to 30 feet in ideal conditions.
• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, perfect for open areas with direct light.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining soil and can adapt to poor soil conditions, common in desert landscapes.
• Watering: Extremely drought-tolerant; needs minimal water once established, making it an excellent choice for water-efficient landscapes.

Landscaping Uses

• Xeriscaping: Perfect for low-water landscapes, providing both structure and seasonal color.
• Focal Planting: Its unique form and vivid blooms make it a striking focal point in gardens.
• Wildlife Habitat: Supports local wildlife with nectar-rich flowers and food-bearing seed pods.

Ecological Benefits

This tree provides shelter and food for desert wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Its roots also help stabilize soil, reducing erosion and supporting ecosystem health.

Summary

The Foothill Palo Verde is a superb choice for Arizona landscapes, offering drought tolerance, minimal maintenance, and spectacular spring blooms. With its ability to adapt to harsh desert conditions, it brings both beauty and resilience to gardens, making it a valued addition to sustainable and native landscaping designs.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Foothill Palo Verde

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space trees 10-15 feet apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Foothill Palo Verde does not require staking and is a low-maintenance tree that thrives in desert conditions

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 2-3 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Foothill Palo Verde is considered established after 6-8 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil and the tree begins showing consistent new growth

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 14-21 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 10-14 days. Provide 3-4 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 24-36 inches away from the base of the tree to ensure deep watering of the root zone
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 2-4 gallons per hour for deep watering
• Number of Emitters: 2-3 emitters per tree for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering to every 10-14 days. In winter, reduce to every 4-6 weeks