Blue Palo Verde
Parkinsonia florida
Arizona's state tree. Blue-green bark and a soft golden bloom in spring.
Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 — license
Schedule: Deep, infrequent — typically every 10–21 days mature, more often in summer establishment.
Emitters: Multiple large emitters or bubblers placed out at the drip line, not at the trunk.
Encourages deep roots and long-term tree stability. AE designs irrigation to expand as the tree matures.
Arizona yards have very different microclimates. West-facing walls, glass, artificial turf, pavers, travertine, porcelain, and pool decking all increase reflected heat. AE considers these before confirming placement.
- Mind clearance from pool deck
- Mind clearance from walls
AE verifies pool deck, paver, foundation, wall, and utility clearances before final planting.
Quick Facts
- Plant type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 25–30 ft tall and wide
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water use
- Very low
- Evergreen / Deciduous
- Semi-deciduous
- Thorns / spines
- Mild
- Litter level
- High
- Pool area
- Use with care
- Pet/kid placement
- Good
- Maintenance
- Seasonal pruning
- Privacy value
- Medium
- Shade value
- High
- Native
- Arizona native
About Blue Palo Verde
The classic native palo verde. Strong desert character; expect noticeable seasonal litter from flowers and pods.
Best uses: Native desert character, shade, pollinators
AE Designer Opinion
Design Uses
- Front yard
- Backyard
- Native desert designs
Care & Maintenance
- Very low water once established
- Prune in summer to avoid bleeding
- Plan for spring cleanup
Pairs Well With
- Brittlebush
- Globe Mallow
- Ocotillo
- Creosote
More Arizona Plants Like This
Ready to Build Your AE Plant Wishlist?
Add Blue Palo Verde and your other favorites to your wishlist, then send it to the AE design team for the final plant palette.