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Texas Paloverde

Parkinsonia texana

Last reviewed: June 2026

Parkinsonia texana (Texas Paloverde) is a drought-tolerant native Texas tree that blooms yellow flowers from March through August, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to desert and semi-arid landscapes.

Texas Paloverde (Parkinsonia texana)
Photo: (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

360"–480" H × 144"–240" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

TX

Pollinators

butterflies, hummingbirds, nectar insects

Texas Paloverde is a distinctive native tree with a spreading canopy and green bark that remains photosynthetic year-round. It produces abundant yellow flowers from spring through summer and has small, drought-deciduous leaves. This desert-adapted tree thrives in hot, dry conditions and poor soils.

Growing Texas Paloverde

Grow Texas Paloverde in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 360 to 480 inches tall and spread 144 to 240 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Texas Paloverde 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.

  • Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range

Wildlife value

The long blooming period attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and various nectar-feeding insects from March through August. Seeds provide food for birds and small mammals.

Common questions

When does Texas Paloverde bloom?
Texas Paloverde produces yellow flowers from March through August, with peak blooming typically occurring in spring and early summer.
What pollinators visit Texas Paloverde?
Texas Paloverde attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and various nectar-seeking insects with its abundant yellow flowers during the long blooming season.
Where is Texas Paloverde native?
Texas Paloverde is native to Texas, where it naturally occurs in desert and semi-arid regions of the state.
How much water does Texas Paloverde need?
Texas Paloverde is extremely drought-tolerant and thrives with minimal water once established, making it ideal for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
Is Texas Paloverde HOA-friendly?
Texas Paloverde 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 Texas Paloverde fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.