This is a Retama, a native of West Texas, but it seems to thrive here in central Texas. We picked up seeds on a vacation in West Texas, potted them up, and had Retama seedlings. It is a graceful tree, although very thorny. Right now it is in full bloom.
I really like the looks of that tree, Jane. Too bad we don't have the climate here for it. Yeah, it looks REALLY nice. Do your bees like it?
Pollinators like the blossoms even though they aren't scented. We haven't seen hummingbirds on the blooms, but it is a bit out of the way and we don't have a constant eye on the tree. It is quite possible that the hummingbirds visit the blooms along with the bees, wasps, and butterflies.
Beautiful tree but my husband would never allow a thorny tree. Once my Uncle gave me a wild rose bush at our first home and taking care of it was quite hard and pruning it was terrible....
Beautiful flowers and nice to find a tree that fits the climate so well. Those thorns are impressive though...ouch!
