Acacia greggii (Catclaw Acacia)
Foliage: Deciduous
Mature Height: 15’ - 25’
Mature Width: 15’ - 25’
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness: 0 degrees F
Exposure: Full Sun
Leaf Color: Green
Shade: Filtered
Flower Color: Cream to Pale Yellow
Flower Shape: Rod Shape
Flower Season: Spring
Thorns: Yes
Propagation Method: Seed
Sizes Available: Not in Production at AZT
Catclaw Acacia (also called Devil's Claw Acacia) Acacia greggii, takes it name from the curved thorns that are found along the smaller branches. This semi-deciduous native of the American southwest and northern Mexico grows at a moderate rate to a height and width of 15 to 25'. It thrives in full sun and tolerates temperatures of 0° F. Catclaw can be found growing on canyon slopes, along arroyos and desert flats to elevations below 5000 feet. This specie has been present in the Sonoran Desert for over 12,000 years and individual specimens can live for 130 years. They are among the most drought tolerant trees in the Sonoran desert. Established trees can survive without supplemental irrigation but do best with monthly deep soaking during the hottest months (May through September). Two-inch long flowers spikes of mildly fragrant, cream to pale yellow flowers are produced from spring to fall.
Left unpruned, branches form a dense, thorny, spherical canopy that makes this an excellent security planting. Careful pruning reveals the graceful, twisted and gnarled trunks. Nursery grown specimens are trained into multiple trunked and single trunked tree forms. Gray-green leaves are made of finely divided leaflets that produce a dispersed canopy and filtered shade. Trees are fully deciduous in severe droughts. Its rustic trunks, natural form, summer flowers and hardiness make Catclaw Acacia an ideal accent or perimeter planting tree in high and low desert landscapes. These trees attract birds and other wildlife in landscapes that border native desert.
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.