Alternate name: Chaparro-prieto, Catclaw, Gavia

Family: Fabaceae, Pea view all from this family

Description Chaparro-prieto or blackbrush grows 5-15 ft. Prolific spikes of pale yellow, fragrant flowers are borne on the numerous stiff, thorny branches. The bark of this shrub is whitish in color. Its semi-evergreen leaves are dark-green, glossy and pinnately compound.

Habitat Scrub, shrub & brushlands, Deserts, Grasslands & prairies.

Range Texas.

Comments Slow-growing but vigorous, blackbrush acacia suckers readily. These suckers can be removed at ground level. Pruning encourages dense branching and more flowers. This plant has been used both as an ornamental and for erosion control.

Exposure Preference Sun.

Flower March - June

Native Distribution Rio Grande Plain to Austin and Big Bend; adjacent Mexico

Site Preference Plains

Soil Preference Dry sand or limestone.

Wildlife Value Flowers are a source of honey.