Foothills Palo Brea CCF

Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Shade Tree
Plant Height: 20-25 feet
Spread: 20-25 feet
Flower Color: Bright yellow blooms
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Foothills Palo Brea CCF: Refined Shade with Desert Character

The Foothills Palo Brea CCF (Cercidium microphyllum × praecox) is a hybrid palo verde that combines the delicate, fine-textured foliage of the Foothills Palo Verde with the striking green trunk and rapid growth of the *Palo Brea (Cercidium praecox)**. This unique hybrid offers a refined canopy, brilliant yellow spring flowers, and year-round desert interest. With its durability, drought tolerance, and architectural branching, it’s a top choice for homeowners wanting an elegant desert shade tree.

Key Features of Foothills Palo Brea CCF

• Hybrid Advantage: Blends the airy canopy of Foothills Palo Verde with the sculptural form and speed of Palo Brea.
• Brilliant Blooms: Produces masses of golden-yellow flowers in spring, with lighter blooms in summer.
• Desert-Hardy: Thrives in Arizona heat and drought with minimal care once established.
• Filtered Shade: Provides soft, dappled light ideal for companion plants.

Growing and Care Tips

• Soil: Performs well in sandy, rocky, or loamy soils with good drainage.
• Water: Moderate during establishment; very low water needs once mature.
• Pruning: Best pruned in summer to thin crowded branches and maintain strong structure.
• Cold Tolerance: Hardy to about 20°F; reliable for Phoenix Valley conditions.

Landscaping Uses

• Accent Tree: Its sculptural trunk and airy canopy create dramatic focal points.
• Shade Tree: Provides filtered light that supports desert-adapted understory plants.
• Xeriscaping: Perfect for water-wise, low-maintenance landscapes.
• Streetscapes & Courtyards: Works well in residential and commercial desert plantings.

Summary

The Foothills Palo Brea CCF is a hybrid that delivers the best of both parent species—delicate foliage, sculptural form, and brilliant flowers. A resilient and elegant tree, it’s an excellent option for Arizona landscapes seeking both shade and desert character.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):

Foothills Palo Brea CCF Planting Guide

Location: Full sun for fastest growth and heaviest blooming.
Soil: Well-drained soils; thrives in rocky or sandy desert soils.
Spacing: Plant 20-25 feet apart to allow full canopy development.
Planting Depth: Place root ball level with surrounding soil; firm lightly.
Support: Stake young trees for 1-2 years until roots anchor securely.

Watering Guide

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Deeply water after planting.
• Frequency: Every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks, then weekly for 2-3 months.
• Amount: 10-15 gallons per watering for young trees.

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: 6-12 months in Arizona’s climate.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 3-4 weeks; increase to every 2-3 weeks in extreme heat for denser foliage.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks if rainfall is lacking.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: 18-24 inches from trunk, expanding outward as canopy spreads.
• Flow Rate: 2-4 gallons per hour emitters recommended.
• Number of Emitters: 3-4 per tree, adding more as tree matures.
• Adjusting Frequency: Increase in peak bloom season or heat waves; reduce in cool/rainy weather.

General Watering Tips for Foothills Palo Brea CCF

• Soil Check: Water when soil is dry 4-6 inches deep.
• Strong Structure: Deep, infrequent watering encourages strong anchoring roots.
• Avoid Overwatering: Excess water can lead to brittle branching and weak growth.
• Mulch: Apply decomposed granite or gravel to conserve moisture and enhance desert appeal.