A small Mexican tree with dark green leaves, purple-tinged stems and spikes of bright yellow flowers from late fall into winter, when little else is blooming. It is low-water, loves heat and draws hummingbirds through the cool season. The standard form has thorns; the grafted ‘Smoothie’ selection does not.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the tree schedule in our Landscape Care guide while it establishes. It handles limited water once mature, but occasional deep soaks, especially in summer, give the best winter bloom.
Pruning
It suckers from the base and wants to grow as a large multi-trunk shrub. Remove basal shoots and raise the canopy to form a tree, ideally after bloom. Avoid heavy summer cuts that expose bark to sunburn.
Pests
Largely trouble-free. Whiteflies, aphids or spider mites may appear, mostly in dusty late-spring weather.
How our designers use it
Winter color
Our designers use it to carry color through the cool months, when most desert trees are quiet.
Hummingbird gardens
Its flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a good anchor for a wildlife-friendly planting.
Small patio tree
Trained to a single or multi-trunk form, its size suits patios and courtyards. We generally choose the thornless ‘Smoothie’ wherever people will walk past it.
Good to know
Around the pool
Expect spent flowers and reddish-brown seed pods after bloom. The thorns on the standard form are the bigger concern near pool decks and walkways.
