How much water does Parkinsonia aculeata need?

This tree tolerates low water once established and does best in soils that drain quickly, making it a good fit for arid and semi-arid landscapes.

When does the Retama tree bloom?

Parkinsonia aculeata typically flowers from April through August, producing clusters of small five petaled yellow blooms along its slender green branches.

What pollinators are attracted to Retama flowers?

Bees and butterflies regularly visit the flowers of Parkinsonia aculeata for nectar during its long summer bloom period.

What does Parkinsonia aculeata look like as it grows?

It develops into a small to medium tree with a spreading, often drooping canopy, smooth green bark, and slender branches that can carry small thorns.

Is Retama HOA-friendly?

Retama is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Retama

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Parkinsonia aculeata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Retama (Parkinsonia aculeata) is a perennial tree native to AZ, TX. It blooms in April, May, June, July, and August. The flowers draw bees and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown

Retama (Parkinsonia aculeata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

180"–300" H × 180"–300" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, TX

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Native alternatives to Retama

Retama is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 449 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A fast-growing, airy tree with smooth yellow-green bark, drooping thorny branches, and tiny leaflets that give it a delicate, feathery silhouette. Clusters of fragrant yellow flowers bloom over an extended warm season, followed by narrow seed pods. Extremely heat and drought tolerant, useful as a light-canopy shade or accent tree.

Growing Retama

Grow Retama in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 180 to 300 inches tall and spread 180 to 300 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Retama is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: street edge, mid zone.

thorny branches can pose a hazard near walkways and play areas
considerable leaf and seed pod litter

Wildlife value

Long-blooming flowers are a major nectar source for bees and butterflies through the warm months.

Common questions

How much water does Parkinsonia aculeata need?: This tree tolerates low water once established and does best in soils that drain quickly, making it a good fit for arid and semi-arid landscapes.
When does the Retama tree bloom?: Parkinsonia aculeata typically flowers from April through August, producing clusters of small five petaled yellow blooms along its slender green branches.
What pollinators are attracted to Retama flowers?: Bees and butterflies regularly visit the flowers of Parkinsonia aculeata for nectar during its long summer bloom period.
What does Parkinsonia aculeata look like as it grows?: It develops into a small to medium tree with a spreading, often drooping canopy, smooth green bark, and slender branches that can carry small thorns.
Is Retama HOA-friendly?: Retama is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Retama? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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