Paloverde. Foothill palo verde. Small-leaved palo verde (Cercidium microphyllum)

Family: Fabaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Parkinsonia microphylla is a spiny, deciduous shrub or a small tree usually growing to 4m. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of food, and has potential for use as a protein supplement. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental in semi-arid regions. Also known as Parkinsonia microphylla.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich in protein (they contain around 22% protein, 50% carbohydrate and 18% fat) and have potential for use as a human food. — Edible Portion: Seeds, Pods, Flowers.; The dried beans were roasted (often until almost burnt) then ground into a powder and made into a mush or into cakes.; Usually viewed as a famine food and only used when better foods were not available.; The seeds are rich in protein (they contain around 22% protein, 50% carbohydrate and 18% fat) and have potential for use as a human food.

Habitat & North American Range

Native to the American southwest, Baja and Sonora, Mexico. It grows on rocky slopes, desert foothills and mesas. Coarse soils of plains and hillslopes; mainly at elevations up to 600 metres, occasionally reaching 800 metres. (Zone 8)