For Wild and Weedy Wednesday, here is Senegalia greggii, the catclaw acacia.
Depending on growing conditions, it is a largish shrub or a smallish tree. We have it growing in both sizes here and there, especially along the rim of the small canyon just beyond the garden.
Here is one of the smaller, more shrubby versions just over the rickety old garden fence.
The acacias are in full bloom right now, which is what allowed me to finally identify them. In the welter of small trees from the pea family here, they are one element among many. But once they flowered, I had a chance of working out just which member of Fabaceae they actually are.
Like so many others, the catclaw acacia has many tiny, rounded leaflets along well-armed branches. In fact, it is also known colloquially as the wait-a-minute tree because of its small, curved thorns that can grab and catch hold of the passer-by.
Those thorns look no more ferocious than, say, a mesquite or a palo verde’s thorns. But perhaps that isn’t saying much. This is, after all, considered a thornscrub ecosystem. It is characterised by woody shrubs that bristle with… thorns.
Otherwise, this is a pleasant plant to have around. Its foliage is full and a deep green. It is deciduous in both drought and freezing temperatures, but in leaf it can supply a welcome shade.
And when in flower—as it is at the moment—it sends a sweet aroma all round itself. This, in turn, attracts bees. It is an excellent bee plant.
There is much more to be said about Senegalia greggii—for instance, the fact that until recently it was listed as Acacia greggii—but if I go on, it will not be Wednesday any more, even here!
So here is my first-ever post for Wild and Weedy Wednesday, hosted by Cathy at Words and Herbs.
It's very pretty, Amy (even studded with thorns). The color and form of the flowers, if not their size or the plant's foliage, remind me of Callistemon viridiflorus.
The flowers remind me of willows and I wonder if the pollen is a problem with your tree. I have heard how lovely the acacias smell, but have only had the pleasure of the fragrance of our 'false acacias', the (non-native) robinia. It has much bigger thorns than yours but also grows wild and provides excellent cover for the wildlife. Thanks for linking in to the new meme Amy. It is always fascinating to see what grows for you!