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