Sunset Zone 13 Planting Guide

Chitalpa

Genus / species: Pinus eldarica
Family: Pinaceae

Species characteristics
Size: 30' - 60', 15' - 25'
Flowers: Cone bearing
Leaves: Dark green needles in bundles of two
Bark: Reddish brown
Fruit: Cones 2" - 4" long

Comments/tree care:
• Pyramidal shape
• Fast growth rate
• Uniform branching habit
• Tolerates heat and alkaline soils
• Drought tolerant

Sweet Acacia

Genus / species: Acacia farnesiana
Family: Fabaceae

Species characteristics
Size: 20' x 20'
Flowers: Golden yellow puffballs
Leaves: Bipinnately compound 1" - 4" long
Bark: Reddish brown
Fruit: Dark brown woody pods 1" - 3" long

Comments/tree care:
• Vase shaped
• Moderate growth rate
• Fragrant flowers
• Likes deep soil with good drainage
• Heat tolerant

Palo Verde

Genus / species: Parkinsonia spp
Family: Fabaceae

Species characteristics
Size: 25' x 25'
Flowers: Bright yellow
Leaves: Bipinnately compound 1-1/2" long
Bark: Green when young, woody when mature
Fruit: Tan, flat 3" - 4" long

Comments/tree care:
• Vase shaped
• Fast growth rate
• Provides high, light shade
• Multi-trunk individuals are common
• Drought tolerant
• Thornless hybrids are available

Ironwood

Genus / species: Olneya tesota
Family: Fabaceae

Species characteristics
Size: 25' x 25'
Flowers: Dusty lavender, pea shaped
Leaves: Gray green, bipinnately compound
Bark: Gray
Fruit: Tan pods with 1 - 4 edible seeds

Comments/tree care:
• Rounded crown
• Slow growth rate
• Provides light shade
• Prefers deep, well drained soil
• Wood is so dense it does not float
• Will not tolerate lawn conditions

Desert Willow

Genus / species: Chilopsis linearis
Family: Bignoniaceae

Species characteristics
Size: 25' x 20'
Flowers: White, pink-purple tubular
Leaves: Medium green, 3" - 6" long
Bark: Dark gray
Fruit: Thin capsule with papery seeds

Comments/tree care:
• Upright, sprawling form
• Fast growth rate
• Deciduous in winter
• Tolerant of any well drained soil
• Flowers are slightly fragrant
• Attracts hummingbirds

Sissoo

Genus / species: Dalbergia sissoo
Family: Fabaceae

Species characteristics
Size: 30' x 50' x 30'
Flowers: Small, creamy pea-like
Leaves: Pinnate with 3 - 7 oval leaflets
Bark: Gray-brown, shaggy with age
Fruit: Tan, flattened

Comments/tree care:
• Erect, open crown
• Fast growth rate
• Bright green leaves
• Moderate to low water use
• Prune to remove included bark