Catclaw Acacia
Senegalia roemeriana
Last reviewed: June 2026
Senegalia roemeriana (Catclaw Acacia) is a drought-tolerant native shrub of New Mexico and Texas that blooms yellow flowers from March through August, attracting bees and butterflies.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
180"–240" H × 120"–180" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
NM, TX
Pollinators
butterflies, bees, nectar insects
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Catclaw Acacia is a large native shrub that can reach 15-20 feet tall and wide with fragrant white flower clusters from spring through summer. This drought-tolerant plant has distinctive hooked thorns along its branches and provides excellent wildlife habitat. It works well as a naturalized screen or background planting in larger landscapes.
Growing Catclaw Acacia
Grow Catclaw Acacia in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 180 to 240 inches tall and spread 120 to 180 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Catclaw Acacia takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
The long blooming period attracts numerous butterflies, bees, and other nectar-feeding insects from March through August. Birds often nest in its thorny branches and eat the seed pods.
Common questions
- When does Catclaw Acacia bloom?
- Senegalia roemeriana typically blooms from March through August, producing fragrant yellow flower clusters that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Catclaw Acacia?
- This native shrub attracts butterflies, bees, and other nectar-feeding insects with its abundant yellow flowers during the extended blooming season.
- Where is Catclaw Acacia native?
- Senegalia roemeriana is native to New Mexico and Texas, where it thrives in arid and semi-arid regions with full sun exposure.
- Is Catclaw Acacia HOA-friendly?
- Catclaw Acacia takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Catclaw Acacia fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.