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BLUE PALOVERDE (Cercidium floridum)
YELLOW PALO VERDE (Cercidium microphyllum)
Other names: paloverde, green-bark acacia; possibly
acacia.

FAIR

The paloverde is found in the southern California and Arizona desert regions. The tree is slow growing, reaches 15" or more in diameter and is believed to be long lived. The bark is smooth, over a thick sapwood. When the bark is injured the tree decays quite rapidly. Paloverde is usually found along washes. Larger trees are usually infested with mistletoe.

When found the paloverde usually has a decayed hole in place of the original blaze. When dead and fallen the soft wood becomes brittle and breaks up, turning punky and disappears. The original surveyors in the desert seldom marked bearing trees and few paloverde have been found as a result. 

This tree is usually runty and ill-formed but in good conditions does form a short trunked tree. Bark scribing is almost a must. If a large tree must be taken, keep the blaze to a minimum in length and width. Paint thoroughly.