Gardening information sheet.

1. *Catclaw acacia – Senegalia greggii (sen-e-GAY-lee-uh greg-ee-eye)
Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Native to: Southwestern U.S. and N. Mexico (Northern Chihuahuan, Sonoran, and southern Mojave
deserts); washes and canyons to 6000', in creosote bush scrub and pinyon-juniper woodland.
Growth characteristics: woody shrub/tree mature height: 10-20 ft. mature width: 10-20 ft.
Large, woody shrub or small tree. Much branched, with rounded form and curved, cat claw-like
prickles. Fully drought deciduous. Leaves are twice pinnate, with small gray-green leaflets.
Moderate growth rate. Long-lived in wild (at least 120 years). Produces moderate shade.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring (Apr-Jun). Brilliant pale yellow pea-type flowers in dense, ‘fuzzy’
cylindrical spikes. Flowers are sweetly scented and very showy. Many insect pollinators.
Uses in the garden: Most often used for slope stabilization or in areas with little care. Can be
planted as a large screen, background, desert accent, or a small multiple-trunk desert tree if trained
and irrigated. Good barrier plant. Excellent habitat value. Traditional use as medicinal plant.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs/trees.
Attracts: Excellent bird and animal habitat: provides cover, nest sites and seeds for food. Flowers
attract many insect pollinators – great ‘honey plant’ for European honey bees.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun.
Soil Well-drained soils – sandy soils best; any local pH.
Water Drought tolerant to occasional water (Water Zones 1-2 to 2) once established.
Fertilizer None.
Other No organic mulch or organic amendments; needs lean soil.
Management: Prune young plants to train as desired (wear sturdy protective gear). Control size
and growth rate with irrigation.
Propagation: from seed: physical abrasion or hot water treat by cuttings: ??
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 3, 6, 8, 14, 68, 69 2/23/18
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND