Smoothie Cascalote

Plant Type: evergreen to semi-evergreen tree
Plant Height: 15–20 feet
Spread: 15–20 feet
Flower Color: bright yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Smoothie Cascalote (Caesalpinia ‘Smoothie’): Thornless, Flowering Shade Tree

Smoothie Cascalote is a hybrid form of the traditional Cascalote tree, specially selected for its thornless branches and dense canopy. Native to Mexico, this small ornamental tree provides shade and brilliant yellow blooms in fall and winter, making it a reliable and low-maintenance choice for Arizona landscapes.

Key Features of Smoothie Cascalote

• Thornless Variety: Unlike standard Cascalote, Smoothie is safe for patios, walkways, and family yards.
• Seasonal Blooms: Produces clusters of bright golden-yellow flowers in fall and winter.
• Dense Canopy: Provides filtered to moderate shade with attractive green foliage.
• Low Maintenance: Tolerant of heat, drought, and poor soils once established.

Growing and Care Tips

Smoothie Cascalote is durable and well-suited for desert-friendly gardens.

Soil: Prefers sandy or rocky, well-draining soils; adapts to poor soils.
Water: Moderate during establishment; once mature, deep water every 2–4 weeks in summer.
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring if growth slows.
Pruning: Minimal—remove any crossing or dead branches to maintain canopy form.

Landscaping Uses

• Patio & Courtyard Tree: Perfect where thornless branches are essential.
• Accent Tree: Showy flowers add seasonal color.
• Shade Tree: Dense foliage provides a cooling canopy.
• Xeriscape Planting: Excellent in low-water, desert-adapted gardens.

Summary

Smoothie Cascalote is a thornless, flowering tree that combines seasonal color, evergreen foliage, and shade with low maintenance. Its compact size and clean form make it one of the best ornamental trees for Arizona’s desert landscapes.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Smoothie Cascalote

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun for strongest growth and flower production.
Soil: Well-draining sandy or rocky soils are best.
Spacing: Plant 15–20 feet apart for canopy development.
Planting Depth: Keep crown level with surrounding soil.
Support: Young trees may benefit from staking for the first year.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Deeply water after planting.
• Frequency: Every 5–7 days for the first 2–3 months.
• Watering Amount: Enough to soak 12–18 inches deep.

When is the Plant Established?

• Typically after 1 year of consistent watering and visible strong growth.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water deeply every 2–4 weeks.
• Winter: Water every 4–6 weeks if dry.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

Placement of Emitters: Place 2–3 emitters evenly around dripline.
Flow Rate: 2 gallons per hour.
Number of Emitters: Two for young trees; three to four for mature trees.
Adjusting Frequency: Increase during peak heat; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for Smoothie Cascalote:

• Soil Check: Allow top 4–6 inches to dry before rewatering.
• Avoid Overwatering: Naturally drought-adapted and prefers drier intervals.
• Mulch: Apply gravel mulch to retain soil moisture and match desert landscape design.