The Blue Palo Verde tree ( Parkinsonia florida ) is a species of palo verde native to the Sonoran Deserts in the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico , including the Baja California peninsula . It is a characteristic woody works along washes in the Colorado desert , and occasionally in the Mohave Desert ’s mountains . Its name , derive from Spanish , translates to “ green pole or stick , ” a meet verbal description for its characteristic green trunk and offset .
The plant life ’s proboscis , subdivision , and leaves can be blue - unripened or gray - green in color , hence the vulgar name . The industrial plant is drought - deciduous , throw its foliage for most of the year , thumb out after rain . Photosynthesis is do by the gray - green offshoot and branchlet , regardless of wanting leaves . If transplanted in the correct location , this tree diagram grows up to 36 inches per year , reaching up to 35 foot tall .
This is a mutual tree for landscaping in desiccated regions . In bound , the Blue Palo Verde produces masses of bright yellow flower , which are a rich source of nectar and pull in a form of pollinators , include bee , butterfly , and hummingbird . The efflorescence are followed by modest , flat , brown germ pods that comprise the tree ’s seeds .
The Blue Palo Verde is a fast - grow tree , up to of reaching its full height in just a few years . It favor full sunshine and well - drained dirt , and is highly drouth - tolerant once established . The tree diagram ’s root are thick and extensive , allowing it to tap into hole-and-corner urine sources and withstand menses of prolonged drouth . The tree is brave in Sunset ’s Climate Zones 8 to 14 and 18 to 20 .
The Blue Palo Verde is mean to have arrive in the Tucson Basin comparatively recently , some 4,240 long time ago harmonise to pack - rat kitchen midden grounds . The prescribed scientific classification of the Blue Palo Verde follow in 1830 . Irish phytologist Thomas Coulter , while exploring near Hermosillo , Mexico , encountered the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and categorized it as Parkinsonia florida . It was designated the prescribed state tree of Arizona in 1954 , get together the ranks of the cactus wren , bolo sleeper , and saguaro cactus peak as a state symbol . In 1966 , it was also named the “ metropolis tree ” of South Miami , Florida .
Historically , the Blue Palo Verde has been an important traditional author of tannin for leatherwork among the indigenous peoples of the Sonoran Desert . The Pima and Tohono Oʼodham tribes of Arizona used the tree ’s seeds as a food source , grinding them into flour to make cake and mush . The wood was also used for cut up ladles and other utensil .
Today , the Blue Palo Verde is domesticate as an decorative plant and Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree by metier plant glasshouse , for plant as a bush or multi - trunked small tree in drought tolerant and wildlife garden of suitable climates . It proffer an strange green - blue silhouette in garden , and delicately patterned light subtlety over terrace .
Blue Palo Verde Tree – Identification Guide
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How to Propagate Blue Palo Verde Trees
Common Problems that Associated With Blue Palo Verde
Overwatering : While Blue Palo Verde needs some water , specially when young , overwatering is a major scourge . Their desert adaption imply they ’re susceptible to root rot in constantly moist soil .
smoke and Vertebrates : sens and vertebrates like rabbits and squirrel can pose menace to the tree , either by competing for resources or causing strong-arm damage .
Palo Verde Borer : The Palo Verde steady down borer , also live as the palo verde beetle ( Derobrachus hovorei ) , these beetles target the roots of the tree , especially accentuate trees . Signs let in droop , branch dieback , and sawdust around the infrastructure .
Witches ’ Broom : This is n’t a witch ’s curse word , but a computer virus that causes dense , tortuous growth on branches . While not fatal , it can affect the tree diagram ’s appearance and health .
Spider Mites : These tiny pests can infest Blue Palo Verde , sucking sap and causing yellowing or brown leave of absence .
Mistletoe : While uncommon , desert mistletoe can parasitically attach itself to the Blue Palo Verde , stealing nutrients and undermine the tree diagram .
