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Description
Cercidium Texanum, also known as Texas Palo Verde, is a medium-sized deciduous tree that is native to the desert regions of the United States. It typically grows up to 20 feet tall and has a spread of up to 25 feet. The tree has a smooth, greenish-gray bark and produces leaves that are bright green and bipinnately compound. The leaves are small and delicate, measuring only about 1/4 inch in length.The tree produces vibrant yellow flowers in the spring, which then turn into seedpods that are brown and flat. The seedpods are about 2-4 inches long and contain small black seeds. The Cercidium Texanum is a hardy plant that can grow in extreme temperatures ranging from 15°F to 110°F.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Cercidium |
Appearance
The Cercidium Texanum tree is known for its delicate, feathery foliage that is a bright green color. The leaves are bipinnately compound, meaning that each leaf is divided into many smaller leaflets. The tree produces vibrant yellow flowers in the spring, which then turn into seedpods that are brown and flat. The seedpods are about 2-4 inches long and contain small black seeds.The tree has a smooth, greenish-gray bark that is often covered in small thorns. The Cercidium Texanum is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall and has a spread of up to 25 feet.
Care Guide
The Cercidium Texanum is a hardy plant that can tolerate extreme temperatures and dry conditions. However, there are still some care guidelines that should be followed to ensure the tree stays healthy:- Water: The tree does not require much water and can tolerate drought conditions. However, it is important to water the tree occasionally during hot, dry periods to prevent the leaves from drying out.- Fertilization: The tree does not require much fertilization, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the spring to encourage growth.- Soil: The Cercidium Texanum prefers well-draining soil and can grow in various soil types, including sandy, rocky, and clay soils.- Sunlight: The tree requires full sunlight to grow properly and should be planted in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: The Cercidium Texanum is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Cercidium Texanum is generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, there are a few issues that can arise:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can infest the tree and cause discoloration and damage to the leaves. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly draining soil can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the tree. It is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the tree is not overwatered.
Habitat
The Cercidium Texanum is native to the desert regions of the United States, including Arizona, California, and Texas. It is often found growing in rocky, arid environments and can tolerate extreme temperatures and dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Cercidium Texanum a fast-growing tree?
A: The Cercidium Texanum is not a fast-growing tree. It typically grows about 1-2 feet per year.
Q: Can the Cercidium Texanum be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the Cercidium Texanum can be grown in a container. However, it is important to ensure that the container has good drainage and that the tree is not overwatered.
Q: Does the Cercidium Texanum require pruning?
A: The Cercidium Texanum does not require much pruning. However, dead or damaged branches can be removed as needed.
Q: Can the Cercidium Texanum be grown from seed?
A: Yes, the Cercidium Texanum can be grown from seed. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until they germinate.
Related Plants
– Cercidium floridum (Blue Palo Verde)- Cercidium microphyllum (Foothill Palo Verde)- Parkinsonia aculeata (Mexican Palo Verde)- Parkinsonia florida (Blue Palo Verde)
References
– Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (n.d.). Cercidium texanum. Retrieved from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CETE- Arizona State University. (n.d.). Cercidium texanum. Retrieved from https://calscape.org/Cercidium-texanum-(Texas-Palo-Verde)?srchcr=sc5eb7b4f4b4e45
