Catclaw Exhibit, 1995. Note Scottsdale Road in background.

Catclaw Acacia

This is a plant your pet feline will only climb once. Hikers and riders dislike this shrub because its strong thorns tear both clothing and the clothing’s inhabitant. Also known as cat’s claw, tearblanket, devil’s claw, una de gata, wait-a-minute and Gregg catclaw. A member of the Pea Family.

• Branches have short, sharp, 1/4″-long spines that resemble cats’ claws.
• Blooms from April to October with heaviest blooms in April and May. The catclaw’s flowers are pale yellow, dense and fragrant. Its flowers attract insects such as bees.
• It has wax-covered seeds which can delay germination for several years.
• Catclaw is found below 5,000′ elevation usually on slopes or along washes.
• The fruits, which are stringbean-like, are ground into meal by Native Americans. Wood is used for fuel and tool handles.