Viscid Acacia (Vachellia neovernicosa)

   

Viscid Acacia (Vachellia neovernicosa), overview. Photograph by Wynn Anderson.

 

Flowers and seed pods of Vachellia neovernicosa. Photographs by Wynn Anderson.

• Common English Names: Viscid Acacia, Chihuahuan White Thorn, Stickyleaf, Varnish Acacia
• Common Spanish Names: Vinorama, Chaparro Prieto
• Scientific Name: Vachellia neovernicosa (vuh-KELL-lee-uh nee-o-vern-ih-CO-suh)
• Family: Fabaceae (Legume Family)
• Geographic Range: Western Texas, southern New Mexico, and Arizona; Chihuahua and Sonora south to Zacatecas and Puebla, Mexico.
• Description: Erect, open, multi-stemmed plant with paired thorns throughout. Golden-yellow ball-like flowers, foliage is notably viscid (sticky) or seemingly varnished.
• Landscape use: Sometimes available commercially. Hardy, drought tolerant, sculptural shrub, closely related and otherwise similar to Vachellia constricta (Whitethorn Acacia).
• Notes: Formerly known as Acacia neovernicosa.

Last Update: 10 Sep 2013