skip to main content

Southwestern Gardening

Invasive Palo Verde Question

19 years ago

IÂve heard that Mexican Palo Verde (Parkinsonia aculeata) has naturalized in many countries around the world (Australia, etc.) and has become a serious invasive pest. Is it a major problem in Arizona? Are other Palo Verdes, such a Cercidium microphyllum just as weedy/invasive?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

The_Mohave__Kid
19 years ago
I have not heard of Palo verde being a problem here in Southern nevada although I have see it move around the landscape a bit ... can't speak for Arizona ... you may wish to check with the Western Weed Society or your extension service.

Good Day ...
turtleman49
19 years ago
Not a problem here in AZ that I've ever heard of,, it seems we cant grow enough of them here we sell out in our liners and 5 gallon containers
Related Professionals
Norfolk Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Windham Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Middle River Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · West Chester Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Manchester Landscape Contractors · Edmond Landscape Contractors · Wilmington Landscape Contractors · Belvedere Park Landscape Contractors · Berkeley Heights Landscape Contractors · Brownsville Landscape Contractors · Eustis Landscape Contractors · Las Vegas Landscape Contractors · Northport Landscape Contractors · Watertown Landscape Contractors · Vienna Handyman
sonic1
19 years ago
It is not a "problem" pest but it is not a native and had naturalized.

Really it is just more obnoxious than anything. The native palo verdes are much nicer. The Parkinsonia aculeata palo verde seeds all over the place if you have it in your yard, coming up everywhere. Totally annoying, kind of like the african sumac (Rhus lancea) can be. Though Rhus lancea is much prettier.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Antigonon Leptopus in California and Desert Gardens

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Dry climates can enjoy sprays of delicate pink flowers and heart-shaped leaves on this drought-tolerant, summer-flowering vine

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Russelia Equisetiformis

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Cascading foliage mimics the appearance of water, while brightly colored flowers add color from spring through fall

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 7 Great Trees for Summer Shade and Fall Color

By Tiffany Carboni

These landscape-pro faves straddle the seasons beautifully. Could one enhance your own yard?

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 10 Ideas for a Creative, Water-Conscious Yard

By Laura Gaskill

Check out these tips for a great-looking outdoor area that needs less water

MIDCENTURY HOMES Houzz Tour: An Eichler Remodel Spawns a Design Career

By Mitchell Parker

A homeowner finds her true calling upon redesigning her family's entire California home

HOUSEPLANTS Play Up Some Fiddleleaf Figs for a Lively Indoor Tune

By creative jewish mom.com

Strike a dramatic chord in a minimalist scene or a country note in a rustic setting — fiddleleaf fig plants harmonize with any style

LANDSCAPE DESIGN The 7 Best Plant Types for Creating Privacy and How to Use Them

By Falon Mihalic

Follow these tips for using different kinds of plants as living privacy screens

GARDENING GUIDES When and How to Plant a Tree, and Why You Should

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Trees add beauty while benefiting the environment. Learn the right way to plant one

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 7 Low-Maintenance Lawn Alternatives

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Turf isn't the only ground cover in town. Get a lush no-grass lawn with clover, moss and other easy-care plants

SAVING WATER Houzz Call: Are You Letting Go of Your Lawn?

By Annie Thornton

Many facing a drought are swapping turf for less thirsty plantings. If you’re one of them, we’d like to hear about it

Sponsored