Blackbrush Acacia grows on limestone hillsides and canyons. Its native range stretches from Texas in the United States south to central Mexico.
Formerly Acacia rigidula. Acacia is from Greek akakie taken from ake or akis, -a sharp point-, rigidula is in reference to something being rigid, probably referring to the branches. The genus “Vachellia” (Vachel'lia:) is named after the Rev. George Harvey Vachell (1798-1839); born in Littleport, Cambridgeshire, and graduated from Cambridge University in 1821.
Vachellia rigidula
Blackbrush Acacia
Family: Fabaceae
Though closely related to the whitethorn acacia, this species is distinct with its darker green leaves contrasted by light-gray, almost whitish stems. It grows from 12-15 feet tall though found much smaller usually. It is almost like a shrubby version of Texas ebony. Yellow flowers appear spring into summer, followed by slim legume seed pods. Evergreen in our region.
Full to part sun, moderate to low water when established. Hardy to 15°F.
Butterfly larval plant food for the Mexican yellow (Eurema mexicana), the mimosa yellow (Pyrisitia nise), and the Reakirt’s blue (Echinargus isola). Moth larval food plant for the black witch moth (Ascalapha odorata), Merry melipotis moth (Melipotis jucunda), Mesquite stinger flannel moth (Norape tenera), Navel orangeworm moth (Amyelois transitella).
Blackbrush extracts are used in weight loss dietary supplements.
Flower detail on Vachellia rigidula