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Form/flower

Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Blackbrush acacia's light bark and rich dark green foliage are an attractive combination, providing a beautiful contrast in its native Rio Grande Plains where it is abundant. Its natural shrubby form can be shaped into a tree, but it will then need training when it's young. Large pale to golden yellow flower spikes appear in the spring, from which slender 3-inch long pods develop. Its branches have thorns, making it useful as a barrier plant and not desirable near pedestrian areas. It grows on limestone hillsides and canyons, but is adaptable to many soil types, even caliche, although it prefers good drainage. Blackbrush acacia grows slowly. It is hardy to around 20 degrees F.

Plant Habit or Use: large shrub
small tree

Exposure: sun
partial sun

Flower Color: pale to golden yellow

Blooming Period: spring

Fruit Characteristics: 3-inch-long woody pods

Height: 10 to 20 feet

Width: 8 to 18 feet

Plant Character: deciduous
semievergreen

Heat Tolerance: very high

Water Requirements:

Soil Requirements: neutral
adaptable

USDA Hardiness Zone: 8

Additional Comments: