What is Acacia Catcla? Also known as wait a minute bush, cat's claw, Texas' claw, devil's claw, and Gregg's claw. The Catclaw Acacia is a small tree or large shrub native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. It grows mainly along the banks of streams, wash them and in the Chaparral.
Catclaw Acacia Facts
The catclaw acacia (Acacia greggii) bears the name of Tennesseean Josiah Gregg. Gregg, born in 1806, traveled across the Southwest studying trees and geology, eventually compiling his observations into two books. Later in life, he travelled to western Mexico and California as part of a biological expedition.
The acacia tree consists of mighty clumps of plants armed with sharp, razor-sharp thorns that can tear your clothes and skin. At maturity, the tree reaches a height of 5 to 12 feet (1-4 m), sometimes more. Despite its fussy nature, catkins also produce spikes of fragrant, creamy white flowers from spring to fall.
Its flowers are rich in nectar, making this tree an essential desert plant for bees and butterflies.
Catcla is not difficult to grow, and once established, the tree requires very little care. The claw-claw acacia tree needs full sunlight and thrives in poor alkaline soil as long as it is well-drained.
During the first growing season, water the tree frequently. After that, once or twice a month will suffice for this hardy desert tree. To get rid of ugly growth and dead or broken branches, prune as necessary.
Catclaw Acacia Uses
Catclaw is valued for its attractiveness to bees, but the plant was also important to tribes in the Southwest who used it for fuel, fiber, fodder, and building materials. The uses varied and included everything from arches to brush fences, brooms and swing frames.
The pods were used to make flour or to eat them raw. The seeds have been roasted and ground for use in cakes and breads. Women made sturdy baskets of twigs and thorns, bowls of fragrant flowers and buds.
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