Acacia berlandieri (Guajillo)
Foliage: Semi-Evergreen
Mature Height: 9’ - 15’
Mature Width: 9’ - 15’
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness: 10 degrees F
Exposure: Full Sun
Leaf Color: Green
Shade: Filtered
Flower Color: Creamy white
Flower Shape: Ball
Flower Season: Spring
Thorns: None to Barb
Propagation Method: Seed
Sizes Available: Not in Production at AZT
Acacia berlandieri (Guajillo) With one important exception the Texas native Acacia berlandieri (or Guajillo) shares many characteristics with the popular Lysiloma thornberi (or Fern of the Desert). Both have lush green lacy, fern like leaves and graceful curved branching patterns; both produce creamy white ball flowers in spring and are essentially thornless. The great advantage of the Guajillo is that it is cold hardy to about 10 degrees F. In typical Phoenix winters it retains most of its leaves. The common name of this tree Guajillo" is a Mexican word that means foolish or funny, and was referred to by this name because it sometimes grows in funny or unusual places. The tree grows at a moderate rate in an array of well draining soil types and settings. Mature trees grow to about 9’ to 15’ tall and about as wide. Trees prefer full sun but will tolerate partial shade. A natural tendency toward multiple trunk growth coupled with a generally shrub-like growth habit means that young trees will require some pruning and shaping to achieve desirable form. Cream colored, mildly fragrant flowers are borne in clusters along the branches in early spring. Flowers produce broad, elongate dark brown seed pods (very similar in appearance to those found on Lysiloma). Pods split to release seeds and most are eventually dropped. Pod litter can be a problem in years with heavy seed crops. Acacia berlandieri adds a soft lush quality to the landscape and mixes well with a variety of desert trees and shrubs. Its semi-evergreen nature makes it an excellent complement to trees and shrubs that may be more deciduous in winter. Its smaller stature makes it a good accent tree or planted with taller maturing trees to create a landscape screen. Acacia berlandieri is an excellent alternative to Lysiloma in those settings where cold hardiness is an issue or where less deciduous trees are needed in desert landscapes.
The information provided here was gathered from research literature published by the University of Arizona, other professional landscape and horticulture organizations and our experience at Arid Zone Trees. Always consult local landscape experts for recommendations for your specific area.