Vachellia Species, Whitethorn Acacia

Whitethorn Acacia is a deciduous shrub or small multi-stemmed tree, native to the Chihuahuan deserts of New Mexico and Texas, and the Son...Read Moreoran deserts of Arizona and Mexico, elevations 1500-5000 feet. Grows in full sun and is tolerant of sandy or caliche soil with good drainage.

The tiny feathery foliage and soft puff-ball flowers are a nice contrast to the strong white thorns. (Not all of these plants have the white thorns they’re named after, especially if they’re older plants.) Young branches have a pleasing reddish brown colored bark, older branches are gray. The seed pods are long and slender, 2-5” long, and constricted between the seeds.

I added this plant to my desert yard because the seeds are supposedly a favorite food of quail. A prickly plant, but visually very delicate! I only wish it was a bit faster growing.

Also known as mescat acacia, largancillo, chaparro prieto, vara prieta and vinorama.

Acacia constricta is Native to Texas and other States.