Accession Count: 3
Common Name:
Wright catclaw
Family Name:
Fabaceae
Botanical Name:
Acacia wrightii
Sub Species:
Variety:
wrightii
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
A. wrightii is a species separate from A. greggi, given a variety of differentiating characteristics. It is a small, deciduous tree with one or multiple trunks that sprout into numerous spreading branches, forming a rounded, open canopy and drooping as the tree grows. It quickly grows between 25 to 30 feet tall and wide. Its thin bark is gray to brown on young stems, growing darker and breaking into flattened ridges with age and size. Its smooth twigs are brown or red with short, curved thorns growing along it. Small, glossy, light green leaves are obovate with a rounded apex, pinnately compound, and form an alternate leaf arrangement. During the summer, yellow-white flowers bloom in dense, oblong spikes. Fruit are flattened and twisted pods, growing up to four inches (1).
Compound:
Aca wri
Geographic Origin:
Desert Southwest
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
A. wrightii has its origins in Edwards Plateau, central Texas. Its natural distribution extends to northeastern Mexico, southern and western Texas, adjacent New Mexico, and slightly to southeastern Arizona. This species is named in honor of botanical collector, Charles Wright (2).
Cultivation Notes:
This tree thrives in arid climates. Growing best in full sun and in well-drained, clay soils, or soils that are loamy or sandy, tolerating highly acidic to highly alkaline levels. Propagation is by seed, which is most successful with scarification. After establishment, it requires no additional irrigation and zero maintenance, unless clearance is needed beneath the canopy for passage of pedestrians and vehicles (1).
Ethnobotany:
A. wrightii shares a majority of the medical uses of A. greggii among Native American communities. However, given the advantages it has as a larger growing tree, it makes an effective shade tree and ornamental in urban landscapes and xeriscape gardens (1).
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
16 - 20 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Winter
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
Yellow
Function:
Habitat
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
