Fernleaf Acacia (Mariosousa millifolia)

   

Flowers and foliage of Mariosousa millifolia. Photograph by Wynn Anderson.

• Common English Names: Fernleaf Acacia, Santa Rita Acacia, Milfoil
• Common Spanish Names: None known
• Scientific Name: Mariosousa millifolia (mah-ree-oh-SOU-ah mill-ah-FOL-ee-uh)
• Family: Fabaceae (Legume Family)
• Geographic Range: Limestone ridges in southeastern Arizona, Chihuahua, Sonora, and south into Sinaloa, Mexico.
• Description: Large, graceful, deciduous shrub, 12' H X 15' W with rounded, multi-stemmed habit and finely textured, drooping, light green foliage. Fragrant, cream-colored, cylindrical flowers in summer.
• Landscape Use: Considerable potential bur rarely available commercially. Low to moderate water but better appearance with summer irrigation; requires well draining soil, full sun to light partial shade. Moderately hardy to 20°.
• Notes: A rather rare upland plant not found in the Chihuahuan Desert Region but approaching in Arizona's sky islands at the northern margins of the Sierra Madrean Occidental.

Last Update: 17 Sep 2013