Palo Brea

Plant Type: trees
Plant Height: 20-25 feet
Spread: 20-25 feet
Flower Color: white
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Palo Brea (Parkinsonia praecox): An Ideal Desert Tree for Arizona Landscapes

The Palo Brea (Parkinsonia praecox) is a standout choice for desert landscaping in Arizona, prized for its sculptural green trunk, vibrant yellow spring flowers, and excellent adaptability to the region’s hot, arid climate. Native to the Sonoran Desert, this tree combines beauty with resilience, making it perfect for water-wise landscaping and sustainable gardens.

Key Features of the Palo Brea

• Photosynthetic Green Bark: The tree's smooth, green branches and trunk perform photosynthesis, allowing it to conserve water by maintaining minimal leaf cover and providing year-round greenery.
• Dappled Shade: With an open, airy canopy, the Palo Brea offers dappled shade, ideal for creating light-filled outdoor spaces and underplanting with other desert plants.
• Bright Yellow Flowers: In spring, the tree produces clusters of yellow blooms that contrast strikingly against the green bark, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies and adding seasonal color.

Growth and Care Requirements

• Size: Typically reaches 20 to 25 feet in height, suitable for smaller landscapes or as a focal point in larger gardens.
• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, ideal for open areas with direct light.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil common in desert environments.
• Watering: Extremely drought-tolerant once established, needing minimal additional watering, making it a low-maintenance choice for water-efficient landscapes.

Landscaping Uses

• Focal Point Tree: Its unique form, green bark, and yellow flowers make it a striking centerpiece in any garden.
• Xeriscaping: Perfect for low-water landscapes, adding structure and seasonal color.
• Ecosystem Support: Provides habitat and food for desert wildlife, contributing to a diverse and sustainable garden.

Summary

The Palo Brea tree is an ideal selection for Arizona landscapes, offering drought tolerance, low maintenance, and seasonal beauty with its striking green bark and bright spring blooms. For those seeking to bring a piece of the Sonoran Desert to their landscape, the Palo Brea stands out as a durable, water-wise, and visually captivating choice that supports both the environment and effortless landscaping.

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

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space trees 10-15 feet apart for optimal 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: Palo Brea is self-supporting and grows into a medium-sized tree with thick, smooth, green bark and feathery leaves

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 4-5 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: Palo Brea is considered established after 6-8 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

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 for deep watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 2-4 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 2-3 emitters per tree for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 10-14 days. In winter, reduce to every 4-6 weeks