SafePlants

Catclaw Acacia (Acacia greggii)

The Catclaw Acacia, known scientifically as Acacia greggii, is a fascinating plant of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It's recognized by a variety of common names that hint at its distinctive features.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is known for its curved thorns, shaped like a cat's claw, which could pose a risk of injury to pets.

Considerations for Children

• The plant's thorns may present a hazard to children.

Common Names

• Catclaw Acacia
• Catclaw Mesquite
• Gregg's Catclaw
• Devil's Claw
• Paradise Flower
• Wait-a-minute Tree
• Wait-a-bit Tree
• Gregg Acacia
• Gregg's Acacia
• Gregg Catclaw Acacia
• Gregg's Catclaw Acacia
• Gregg Catclaw
• Gregg's Catclaw
• Texas Catclaw Acacia
• Texas Mimosa
• Wait-A-While
• Ua de Gato
• Wait-a-minute Bush
• Cat's Claw

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Acacia greggii A. Gray
• Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae) - Pea Family
• Synonym: Senegalia greggii (A. Gray) Britton & Rose (Note that the plant was formerly in the genus Acacia).
• An inactive taxon concept refers to: Acacia greggii var. greggii, replaced by Senegalia greggii greggii.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
• Primarily found in arid zones.

Morphological Characteristics

• A small desert tree or large shrub.
• May grow to be 6 to 25 feet tall, depending on water availability.
• Can be a large shrub or small tree growing to 10 m (33 ft) tall with a trunk up to 20–30 cm (7.9–12 in) diameter.
• Often shrubby, becoming more tree-like over time.
• Characterized by claw-shaped spines on the younger stems and curved thorns along smaller branches.
• Leaves are grey-green, fern-like, and bipinnately compound.
• Flowers are yellow to cream, oblong, puff-ball shaped, and fragrant.
• Produces simple, dry, bean-bearing pods.

Quirky Facts

• The Catclaw Acacia is sometimes called the "wait-a-minute bush" because its thorns are known to grab and hold, making you pause.

Ecological Role

• Employed in natural areas as a large shrub.
• Seeds attract animals.
• Effective as a border patrol due to its thorns.

Traditional Uses

• Historically used by ancient Native Americans and the Maya as an herbal remedy for gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Further Information

• Arid Zone Trees, P. O. Box 167, Queen Creek, AZ 85242, Phone 480-987-9094 e-mail: info@aridzonetrees.com
• Dave's Garden - an online community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.