ASDM Digital Library for Kids!
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English Name:
Whitethorn Acacia Spanish Name: huizache Scientific Name: Acacia constricta
Photographer: Ted Myers Copyright: © 0 Ted Myers |
The Whitethorn Acacia (Acacia constricta) is a large shrub with reddish-maroon, dark brown or gray bark, twice compound leaves, multi-stemmed branches with 1inch long white spines. These spines are usually present on new plants or new growth. They bloom in the late spring or after the summer rains and the flowers are bright-yellow sphere shaped balls of stamens.
This plant prefers flat desert areas, washes, mesas, and dry slopes in elevations below 5000 feet.
This plant can be found from southern Arizona east into Texas, and in northern Mexico.
While generally considered a large shrub, if planted in deep soil it can grow to be a small tree. On average this acacia grows 8-12 feet tall, but may grow up to 20 feet tall in the right conditions.
