Common Name:
viscid acacia
Family Name:
Fabaceae
Botanical Name:
Acacia constricta
Sub Species:
Variety:
vernicosa
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Vachellia vernicosa is a deciduous, perennial shrub or small tree reaching heights of 1-3 meters (3-10 ft) with a spread of up to 2-2.5 meters (6.5-8 ft) (1, 2, 3). It typically has an open, spreading habit with several long, straggling stems emerging from the base. Young twigs and leaves are sticky due to glandular secretions, and the foliage is resinous and shiny (2). The plant bears paired straight spines at the nodes that age to white, distinguishing it from similar species with curved thorns (2). Leaves are alternate, bipinnately compound, with 1-2 (occasionally 3) pairs of pinnae, each bearing 7-9 pairs of tiny (≤ 2 mm) crowded leaflets (2). Small yellow flowers appear in dense, globose heads about 1 cm in diameter and are fragrant (2). Blooming occurs primarily from April through August depending on location (1, 2). The fruit is a linear, slightly curved, constricted pod 2.5-4 cm long (1, 2). Bark is greyish-brown, and the species is notable for its high drought tolerance and preference for alkaline soils (1).
Compound:
Aca con ver
Geographic Origin:
Southwest US
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Native to southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico, western Texas, and northern Mexico, Vachellia vernicosa thrives in dry, rocky habitats including desert scrub, plains, and calcareous grasslands, especially within the Chihuahuan and west-central Sonoran Deserts (2, 3). It occurs at elevations ranging from 800-1,600 meters (2,500-5,500 ft) (2). Its nitrogen-fixing ability enhances soil fertility and contributes significantly to desert ecosystem functioning (3). Formerly classified as a subspecies of Acacia constricta, it was elevated to species level due to differences in chromosome number and lack of intermediates between them (2). Rare hybridization events have been documented in overlapping ranges but are limited by reproductive isolation mechanisms (2).
Cultivation Notes:
Vachellia vernicosa is highly adapted to arid conditions and alkaline soils (pH >7.2), and it requires full sun (1). It is extremely drought tolerant and has minimal water needs once established (1). While it is not widely cultivated ornamentally, it may serve ecological restoration purposes in degraded desert environments and is suitable for xeriscaping. Its compact size, ecological importance, and low maintenance requirements make it a candidate for native landscaping in arid regions. The plant is typically propagated by seed. USDA Hardiness Zones not specifically noted, but it likely performs well in Zones 8-10 based on range (1, 3).
Ethnobotany:
Various Acacia and Vachellia species, including Vachellia vernicosa, have been used historically by Native American groups for food, tools, and construction (2). Seeds from related species were dried and ground into meal for mush or cakes, while woody stems were used for firewood and tools (2). Vachellia species are also noted for containing toxic compounds, some of which can be harmful to livestock if consumed in large quantities (2, 3). Traditional medicinal uses have been reported, and the plant contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and alkaloids under current investigation for their therapeutic potential (3). There is some potential for mild toxicity to livestock.
Height:
6 - 10 feet
Width:
6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
ForeSummer
Color:
Yellow
Function:
Habitat
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
