Acacia greggii (Cat's Claw)

Photographs

My photos:

This photo from Anza Borrego, in early February, shows the bush beginning to put out leaves. The photo below is a closeup of the leaves.

More photos:

Cat's Claw Acacia specimen in Arizona, in bloom close up and the whole bush.

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Fabaceae

In the garden:

Cat's Claw is a spreading, straggling, winter- or drought-deciduous shrub, which may reach 6 feet in height (sometimes arborescent and taller). Branches are armed with short, stout, curved spines. Leaves are pinnately compound. Flowers occur between April and June, in cylindrical, yellow spikes and are followed by legume seed pods. It is short lived - 20 to 30 years - and easily grown from seed. It is tolerant of alkaline soil, adaptable and hardy. It is susceptible to rot so must be grown in a low water environment or in a sandy, well draining soil. Its sharp, strong spines can tear clothing and draw blood - this should be kept in mind in situating the plant in the garden.

In the wild:

Cat's Claw flowers occur in abundance in the spring provided there has been ample winter rain. The fragrant flowers are highly attractive to bees that swarm the acacia in great numbers. The honey produced is highly prized. The bean-like pods are a favorite of quail. Small birds nest in the canopy and rabbits live under the tree. It is typically found in areas under 5000 feet in elevation on alkaline rocky hillsides, washes, and sandy desert flats.

Ethnobotany:

Native people ate the fresh seeds and chewed the gum from the bark. The dried pods were ground into flour for bread, cakes or mush. The pods were also used as an animal feed. The wood was considered an excellent building material. It was used in basketry and as firewood. The buds and blossoms were dried for their scent.

Field Trips
Anza Borrego Caspers Holy Jim Canyon Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Mt Palomar Rancho Santa Ana Torrey Pines

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