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White Thorn Acacia

Vachella constricta

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Overview

The White Thorn Acacia (Acacia constricta) is a hardy, small tree or large shrub native to the Southwest, reaching 10 to 15 feet high and wide. Recognizable by its twisting branches and white, sharp thorns up to 2 inches long, it blooms with bright yellow puffball flowers in spring and summer. This drought-tolerant species prefers full sun and well-drained soils, providing excellent cover for wildlife and a natural, desert aesthetic.

Sun FullWater LowZones 7–11Climate Arid

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Low
USDA zones
7–11

Shape & size

Mature height
10–18 Ft.
Mature width
10–18 Ft.

Classification

Family
Fabaceae
Climate
Arid

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Photos (34)

White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — The White Thorn Acacia (Acacia constricta) is a hardy
White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — Recognizable by its twisting branches and white
White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — small tree or large shrub native to the Southwest
White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — reaching 10 to 15 feet high and wide
White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — sharp thorns up to 2 inches long
White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — it blooms with bright yellow puffball flowers in spring and summer
White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — This drought-tolerant species prefers full sun and well-drained soils
White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — providing excellent cover for wildlife and a natural
White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — It boasts an impressive spread of canopies
White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — is a small to medium-sized deciduous shrub native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico
White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — generally reaching 10 to 15 feet in height and width
White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — with a growth pattern that maintains a naturally rounded and dense form
White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — which are typically 0.5 to 1.5 inches long
White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — providing a distinct contrast against the fine
White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — The leaves are bipinnately compound
White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — and a bright green color.<br><br>During the spring and sporadically after summer rainfalls
White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — These fragrant blooms are not only visually appealing but also attract a variety of pollinators
White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — including bees and butterflies.<br><br>This Acacia species prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade
White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — It is highly drought-resistant once established and can thrive in a range of soil types
White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — provided they have good drainage
White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — or integrated in a xeriscape garden
White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — It requires minimal maintenance
White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — the White Thorn Acacia can be used as an accent or focal plant
White Thorn Acacia (Vachella constricta) — but occasional pruning might be necessary to maintain its shape and encourage denser foliage

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