Whitethorn Acacia (Vachellia constricta)

   

Flowers and foliage of Whitethorn Acacia (Vachellia constricta). Photograph by Wynn Anderson.

• Common English Names: Whitethorn Acacia, Mescat Acacia
• Common Spanish Names: Largancillo, Chaparro Prieto, Vara Prieta, Binorama
• Scientific Name: Vachellia constricta (vuh-KELL-lee-uh kon-STRIK-tuh)
• Family: Fabaceae (Legume Family)
• Geographic Range: Central Arizona, southern New Mexico, Trans-Pecos to south Texas and across northern Mexico from Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila to Tamaulipas then south to San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas, and Puebla.
• Description: Large shrub 10' W x 15' H, occasionally a small tree to 18' H, with fragrant, globose yellow flowers in spring and sporadically later; copious white, paired thorns on old wood.
• Landscape Use: Commercially available and useful as an ornamental shrub, barrier plant, or as small tree; good honey plant; seeds eaten by birds, especially quail. Low water, full sun in sandy or caliche soil with good drainage.
• Notes: Formerly known as Acacia constricta.

Last Update: 10 Sep 2013