jerusalem thorn
Parkinsonia aculeata
USDA zones8 to 11
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size15 to 20 feet tall20 to 25 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Orange , yellow
- Foliage color
- Light green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Jerusalem thorn (Parkinsonia aculeata) is a tree for low maintenance gardens, hedges, and xeriscapes. It is hardy to USDA zone 8, or down to 10°F (-12°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It sits low on the menu for deer. Yellow flowers appear through the warm months, especially after rains. In moist soil it can seed out aggressively, so watch for seedlings.
Pairs well with Brittlebush, Ocotillo, Chuparosa, and Texas mountain laurel.
Native range
AL, AZ, CA, FL, and 9 more places. See all 13
AL, AZ, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, NM, NV, SC, TX, and UT.