UofA Reference

Growth habit: Shrub (Source: USDA Plants)

Duration (Annual/Perennial): Perennial (Source: USDA Plants)

Family: Fabaceae

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Geographic Origin: Mexican Tropics

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Natural History: The cascalote plant is native to Mexico but can be found in most of the Southwest (3). The wild variety of the plant is covered with thorns but a cultivated variety called ‘Smoothie’ has been bred for urban use. The cascalote is known for its striking burst of bright yellow color in winter and spring (3,4). (Source: UofA Campus Arboretum)

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Cultivation Notes:

Cascalote grows best in full sun with deep non-rocky soil (2). It needs water every three to four weeks during the winter, and every two to three weeks during the hot summer months (2). Plant cascalote in a warm, open area so you can enjoy the winter bloom. It can tolerate hot weather (2) but is somewhat sensitive to cold temperature and should be placed in a protected microclimate in areas where freezing temperatures are common. (Source: UofA Campus Arboretum)

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Ethnobotany:

Cascalote is an excellent source of phenolics such as gallic and tannic acids used in the Mexican tannery industry. The city of Leon consumes about 13,250 pounds of cascalote daily. (Source: UofA Campus Arboretum)