tree · design plant record

Parkinsonia florida

Blue palo verde

A substantial canopy with green-blue stems and a spring yellow-flower display; it needs a tree-sized allocation.

Height at maturity

About 9.15 m / 30 ft

Spread at maturity

About 9.15 m / 30 ft

Light

Sun

Moisture

Drier soil after establishment

Source-reported USDA zones

No USDA range verified

AMWUA reports 15°F (about −9.4°C), not a USDA range. Local exposure and establishment still matter.

Principal seasonal role

Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Fit it to the site

A Sonoran Desert tree for regionally appropriate low-water landscapes; obtain site-specific soil, irrigation and tree-placement advice.

Do not fit this species into a small accent gap by repeated size reduction. Its roughly 9.15 m canopy is wider than the entire measured desert trial.

Keep the care in the decision

Plan establishment, competent structural care and seasonal flower/seed litter. Keep buildings, services and access in the placement assessment.

Origin & safety checks

Sonoran Desert. Previously classified as Cercidium floridum.

AMWUA identifies small thorns and allergenic potential. Check household exposure; no general safety certification is implied.

Check current invasive restrictions with your local plant-health or extension authority. For pets, use the exact botanical name in a veterinary toxicity reference; for potential ingestion or exposure, get appropriate professional advice rather than relying on a design guide.