Jerusalem thorn Fabaceae Parkinsonia aculeata

Leaf:Alternate, doubly compound (appear singly compound), peculiar looking leaves, 2 to 4 long (10 to 15 inches) petiolules each with numerous (20 to 30) very small (1/8 inch long), oblong leaflets that are quickly deciduous, petiolules persist longer and appear like long curving streamers, leaflet green to gray-green above.
Flower:Attractive, yellow somewhat pea-like flowers, 5 petals, the largest petal reddish, appear in great abundance in spring and summer.
Fruit:Brown, 3 to 4 inch, pea-like pod, constricted between seeds, long pointed, ripen in late summer.
Twig:Slender, yellow-green to yellow-brown, typically paired or even triple spines occur at leaf bases, one of which is generally larger.
Bark:Initially blue to yellow-green and smooth, later turning gray with a tight scaly patches.
Form:A small, spiny tree with a drooping, spreading open crown, reaches heights of 40 feet.

leaf flower fruit twig bark form map

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