Guayacan

Tohono Chul Gardens sent me a one-gallon container, as I couldn't find this anywhere in the Palm Springs/Palm Desert area. Stuck it in th...Read Moree front, facing the East and it seems to be doing well. It gets water every other day in the summer, then every three days the rest of the year. It took a while to get settled, but it appears to be slowly growing. Just happy to have it, although I know it will take years to reach a height that will be noticeable.

This beautiful fine-textured tree/shrub is rare in cultivation because it is slow growing. It can eventually reach 25' tall. The branches...Read More eventually tend to develop a weeping/cascading habit unless pruned and trained.The bottom of the crown is often flat because it is often browsed by livestock and other herbivores.

This tree's natural range extends through areas with very dry winters and wet summers. It grows much faster with plentiful water in summer. It is also highly drought tolerant and suitable for xeriscaping.

It can begin flowering on bare branches as the leaves begin to come in when summer rainfall begins. Flowering ranges from sparse to profuse, apparently most floriferous when bloom is preceded by drought.

Guaiacum coulteri has been extensively harvested in its southern native range. Overexploitation for timber in conjunction with habitat loss and a slow rate of regeneration has left G. coulteri threatened and led to its listing on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and protection under CITES.

Ever since seeing pictures of this Guaiacum species in flower, It has been on my to acquire/ trial list. I was lucky enough to pick up a ...Read Morenice 1gal specimen while attending Desert Botanical's spring sale back in March.

I also made a special trip to Glendale while in town to examine a couple specimens planted in the Demo gardens to get an idea of how much this species is/was effected by freezing temperatures since documented cold hardiness seems to vary depending on information provided over the internet. Thus far, my own specimen has done well here in San Jose, CA. steadily pushing bursts of growth during warm spells through the summer in full hot sun most of the day. Regardless, it isn't a fast grower.

Because it is such a rarity, I soak it only once a week. I have heard that rainfall within it's native range varies between 12-40", mostly falling during the warmer months. Once the winter rains start up, i'll keep it drier, and provide overhead protection to keep excess rainfall off.

While back in Phoenix a few weeks ago, my first stop was Glendale to check upon these specimens, as well as other desert-type trees I have been researching extensively. I was treated not only to the spectacular 1-11/2" wide Sapphire blue flowers, but plenty of ripe seed.

Because seed of Guaiacum species are considered recalcitrant (remaining viable only for a short period of time after harvesting) I sowed what seed id collected for trial immediately after I returned home. At this time, I have at least half a dozen germinated, or in the process.

While I would consider this species highly experimental this far north thus far, it is none the less something every serious plant geek should try. It is simply one of the most stunning treasures of the Sonoran Desert.

Everything, ..from the flowers, to the bright red arils which cover the seeds, foliage, and branching pattern of this plant captures attention, providing year-round interest. Hoping it proves hardy enough to someday show up in local gardens far removed from it's home in the Tropical Dry Forests of N.W. Mexico.

I planted a Guayacan in Tempe, Arizona. I lived there 10 years and if flourished the entire time. No, they are not easy to find. Howev...Read Moreer, Shady Way Nursery in Apache Junction is a treasure trove for unusual desert plants. If you live in or near Maricopa County, youneed to know about this nursery. The Guayacan is also available at Tohono Chul Gardens in Tucson.