Parkinsonia aculeata (Jerusalem Thorn)

Parkinsonia aculeata (Jerusalem Thorn) is a native tree of the southern United States. The smooth, green branches of this shrubby tree that grows up to 30 feet tall bear numerous thorns.

Leaves are long, thin, olive green, needle-like, and grow to 10′′ in length. They seem feathery, and each genuine leaf can have up to 30 leaflets.

Flowers are five-petaled and dangle in loose clusters and are yellow with orange-red dots.

Purplish-brown seed pods are 6 inches long and contain tiny dark brown seeds.