Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
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Trees

Palo Blanco, Acacia willardiana. April 23, 2008. Phoenix Desert Botantical Garden

Palo Blanco, Acacia willardiana Note Midrib Leaflet Structure	Palo Blanco, Acacia willardiana
Willard's Acacia, Acacia willardiana	Palo Blanco, Acacia willardiana

Palo Blanco Acacia willardiana Pea Family ( Fabaceae ), Palo Blanco. Also Called: Willard's Acacia, White Barked Acacia. A slender graceful upright deciduous/evergreen tree with sparse foliage up to 15 - 20 feet tall, 10 to 15 feet spread; peeling outer bark reveals the white inner bark; very small leaves at the end of elongated petioles. The common name translates into "White Stick", describing its unique peeling white bark. White Barked Acacia and Palo Blanco are the two common names associated with Acacia willardiana. There is another white-trunked legume tree native to Baja California, Lysiloma candidum, that is also called palo blanco It is native to the rocky hillsides in Sonora Mexico and was recently introduced into our southwest landscapes. Its leaves are made up of a thin 4 inch midrib that divides to form two leaflets about 1 - 3 inches long. Each leaflet then bears ten tiny leaflets. The canopy is almost transparent providing only the very modest of shade. It has white to cream colored, rod shape flowers appearing in the spring and they mature into dark brown, 3 inch to 8 inch long seed pods over the summer. Height: Up to about 15 - 20 feet tall, 10 to 15 feet spread. Slow Growing. Flowers: The flowers are catkins, rod like, 1 1/4 to 2 1/2 inches long, white to cream or light yellow in color. Blooming Time: Mid July to November. Stems/Trunks : Foliage is almost transparent, providing very little shade. Leaves: Green compound leaves. Elevation: 0 - 2,200 Feet. Habitat: Native of Sonora Mexico. Miscellaneous: Photos Taken At April 23, 2008. Phoenix Desert Botantical Garden.