Foothills Palo Verde

Foothills Palo Verde Exhibit, Desert Foothills Scenic Drive, 1995

Like the blue palo verde these trees appear as masses of pale yellow when they bloom in the springtime. However; to maximize the chance of reproductive success the two species do not bloom at the same time. Its name is pronounced PAH-low-VEHR-dee. Palo Verde is Spanish for “green stick” and refers to the tree’s green, smooth bark. Also known as yellow palo verde, littleleaf palo verde, hillside paloverde and littleleaf horsebean. A member of the Pea Family.

• Both Foothills and Blue species are official Arizona state trees. The Foothills is the more common species. The Foothills Palo Verde can be distinguished from the Blue Palo Verde by its smaller leaves, one whitish petal, yellowish bark, and spine-tipped branchlets.
• Grows up to 25′ in height.
• Blooms from March to May with pale yellow five-petaled flowers (the largest petal is creamy white) followed by a cylindrical pod up to 3″ in length with long narrow points. Leaves are yellowish-green.
• Found at from 500 to 4,000′ elevation on dry rocky hillsides.
• Flowers are attractive to bees and other insects. Seeds are eaten by animals and are ground by Native Americans for meal. The wood is soft and makes poor fuel.