BLUE PALO VERDE Parkinsonia florida 50 Seeds Blue Palo Verde (Cercidium floridum) is a native tree in the Fabaceae (Legume) famly that grows in the Sonoran Desert region of California, Arizona and Mexico. It tends to grow in washes, bajadas and flood plains, at elevations from 0-3600 feet. It is also one of the most popular trees for desert gardens. The Palo Verdes were formerly classified in the genus Cercidium, and some sources may still refer to it that way. The leaves are small and readily dropped in response to dryness. The common name refers to the green bark of the trunk and limbs which are capable of low-level photosynthesis when the tree is leafless. The attractive flowers are yellow-gold and appear in spring but can also appear in response to summer rainfall. The seed pod resembles Mesquite and is valued by numerous animals. The seed pods were also ground and eaten by native people, but it is said to be less tasty than Mesquite. The tree has spines on the newer, slender branches. A popular hybrid of this species is known as 'Desert Museum' and has no spines. Parkinsonia florida is fast growing and drought tolerant. Supplemental watering encourages faster growth but may result in weak limbs and shortened life span. It is recommended to reduce or discontinue supplemental water after the tree becomes established. In recent years Palo Verde has become more popular for non-desert gardens and appears to perform well in many settings. Palo Verde Seed Germination* Nick the end of each Palo Verde seed with a utility knife. Press the blade against the seed coat until it is deeply incised but not completely punctured. Soak the nicked seeds in warm water overnight to further weaken the hard, impermeable seed coat.* Prepare a planting container for each Palo Verde seed. Use 7-inch plastic pots with at least two drainage holes at the base. Fill the pots with a mixture of 2 parts coarse sand, 1 part compost and 1 part perlite. Add water to the mixture until it feels moderately moist in the top 2 inches.* Sow one Palo Verde seed in each pot. Make a planting hole that is 1/4 to 1 inch deep. Place the seed inside the hole and cover it with a loose layer of the growing mixture. Spread a 1/4-inch-thick layer of mulch over the surface to help hold moisture in the soil.* Place the pots inside a lightly shaded cold frame. Warm the pots to around 70 degrees Fahrenheit using a germination mat. Check the moisture level in the growing mixture each morning. Add water whenever it feels barely damp in the top 1/2 inch.* Watch for the first seedlings in approximately one to two weeks. Remove the germination mat once the seeds sprout. Continue to water whenever the growing mixture dries out in the top 1/2 inch.