Blue Palo Verde

Blue Palo Verde Exhibit, 1995

Actually, when in blossom in the springtime, these trees appear as masses of pale yellow and are a beautiful sight. It name is pronounced PAH-low-VEHR-dee. It is a member of the Pea Family. Both foothills and blue species are official Arizona state trees and both species can be seen along the Scenic Drive.

• Grows up to 30′ in height.
• Blooms from April to May with bright yellow five-petaled flowers followed by flat, yellowish brown pod.
• Found at from 500 to 4,000′ elevation along washes, desert slopes, valleys and flood plains.
• Branches and pods are browsed by wildlife. The seeds provide food for birds and mammals and are ground by Native Americans for meal.
• Photosynthesis takes place in both the leaves and the bark. Leaves are drought deciduous.