Blue Palo Verde 100 Seeds Cercidium florida USA Company
Blue Palo Verde 100 Seeds Cercidium florida USA Company
Cercidium floridum, commonly known as blue palo verde or yellow palo verde, is a species of small to medium-sized tree belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, primarily found in desert regions, washes, and dry washes.
Here are some key features of Cercidium floridum:
Appearance: Blue palo verde is a deciduous tree that typically grows up to 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) tall. It has a distinct blue-green bark, which provides a striking contrast to the bright yellow-green leaves and branches.
Leaves: The leaves of Cercidium floridum are pinnately compound, meaning they consist of multiple leaflets arranged along a central stem. The individual leaflets are tiny and oval-shaped, and they drop during dry periods to conserve water.
Flowers: The tree produces vibrant yellow flowers with five petals, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Flowering usually occurs in spring, creating a stunning display of color in the desert landscape.
Fruits: After the flowers have been pollinated, blue palo verde develops flat, thin seed pods that are about 2-4 inches long. These pods contain seeds that are an important food source for wildlife in the region.
Drought Tolerance: Blue palo verde is well-adapted to arid conditions and is highly drought-tolerant. It has specialized features, such as reduced leaves during dry periods and a deep root system, to survive in hot and dry environments.
Importance: Cercidium floridum is ecologically significant in its native habitat as it provides food and shelter for various animals, including birds and mammals. It also plays a role in stabilizing the desert soil.
Cultivation: Blue palo verde is sometimes used in landscaping in dry regions due to its striking appearance, drought resistance, and low maintenance requirements. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Growing Instructions
Scarify the Seeds:
Nick or sand the hard seed coat to allow water to penetrate the seeds. You can use sandpaper, a nail file, or an emery board to gently scratch the surface of the seed coat. Be careful not to damage the seed itself.
Soak the Seeds:
After scarification, place the seeds in a container and soak them in water for 24 hours. This will help to further soften the seed coat and encourage germination.
Prepare the Potting Mix:
Create a well-draining potting mix by combining equal parts of potting soil and sand, perlite, or vermiculite. Mix the components thoroughly to ensure good aeration and drainage.
Planting the Seeds:
Fill a pot with the prepared potting mix and water it until the mixture is evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Place the scarified seeds on the surface of the soil in the pot. Ensure there is some spacing between the seeds to allow enough room for growth.
Cover the Seeds:
Sprinkle a thin layer of the potting mix over the seeds to cover them. The layer should be just enough to bury the seeds slightly and promote proper germination.
Watering:
Gently water the seeds again after covering them with the thin layer of soil. Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the germination process, but avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to rot.
Placement and Sunlight:
Find a suitable location for the pots where they can receive ample sunlight. Jerusalem Thorn plants prefer warm temperatures and thrive in full sun to part shade conditions.
Germination and Transplanting:
With proper care, the seeds should begin to germinate within a few weeks. As the seedlings grow to a few inches in height, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the ground, depending on the season and climate.