DESERT MUSEUM PALO VERDE
Parkinsonia × 'Desert Museum'
FAMILY Fabaceae
SYNONYMS
Parkinsonia x Cercidium
ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES
See: all Parkinsonia
GENERAL INFO
Parkinsonia × 'Desert Museum' is a striking addition to urban landscapes with its vibrant green bark and delicate, fern-like leaves. It produces clusters of bright yellow flowers that bloom profusely in the spring, attracting bees and other pollinators. The tree's airy canopy provides dappled shade, making it a pleasant spot to rest underneath. It is well-suited to hot, dry climates and requires minimal water once established. Its thornless branches make it a safer choice for pedestrian areas compared to other similar species. This tree adds a touch of desert elegance to parks, streets, and gardens.
Native range: A hybrid. Parents are native of the Sonoran and Chihuahan Deserts of the southwestern United StatesHorticultural use: Screen or Streetscape or Parking Lot or SpecimenSchoolyard Use: This tree features delicate, fern-like leaves that provide dappled shade and can be used to teach about leaf structure and light filtration. It blooms with bright yellow flowers that attract pollinators, offering opportunities to discuss plant-pollinator relationships. The tree's green bark is photosynthetic, making it a unique example for lessons on alternative photosynthesis methods. Its drought tolerance makes it suitable for discussions on water conservation and plant adaptation to arid environments.
Native range: A hybrid. Parents are native of the Sonoran and Chihuahan Deserts of the southwestern United StatesHorticultural use: Screen or Streetscape or Parking Lot or SpecimenSchoolyard Use: This tree features delicate, fern-like leaves that provide dappled shade and can be used to teach about leaf structure and light filtration. It blooms with bright yellow flowers that attract pollinators, offering opportunities to discuss plant-pollinator relationships. The tree's green bark is photosynthetic, making it a unique example for lessons on alternative photosynthesis methods. Its drought tolerance makes it suitable for discussions on water conservation and plant adaptation to arid environments.
TREE CHARACTERISTICS
Tree Shape: Rounded or VaseFoliage Type: DeciduousMaximum Tree Height: 40 feetCanopy Width: 20-25 feetGrowth Rate: ~24-36 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Alternate, Bipinnately CompoundLeaf Shape: OvalLeaf color: Light GreenFlowers: Showy, FragrantFlower Color: YellowFlower Time: Spring or SummerFruit: Very Large Brown LegumeFruiting time: FallBark Color: Green, SmoothLitter Type: Dry Fruit, Leaves
SITE CONDITIONS
Recommended Planting Area: 2' to 4'Schoolyard Trees: YesWater Use Rating: Very lowSunset Climate Zone: 8 - 14, 18 - 20Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 6, 7, 8, 9Soil Texture: Loam or Sand or ClaySoil pH: Neutral to Very Alkaline
CONSIDERATIONS
Branch Strength: MediumRoot Damage Potential: LowPotential health issues: No known hazardsBiogenic Emissions: ModerateWildlife interactions: Attracts beesDisease and Pest susceptibility: Invasive Shot Hole Borer, Eriophyid MiteDisease Resistance and Pest Resistance: Texas Root RotUtility Friendly: YesWCISA Appraisal: Suggested LCANT 24" box, Group —, Approx. cross sectional area —
External Resources
CITE THIS TREE
"SelecTree. UFEI. "Parkinsonia × 'Desert Museum' Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal
Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on May 15, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/1591 >
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/1591 >
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