Cascalote Tree

Cascalote tree is one of our top recommendations for a small, ornamental tree in warm or hot regions.

It looks beautiful in courtyards and patios because it grows to only 15-20 feet tall, has an open and inviting canopy, and blooms cheery, bright, yellow flowers in the winter.

If you want to grow it as a tree, keep it pruned since it will grow into a large shrub if left alone. Otherwise, it’s low maintenance as it’s mostly drought, heat, and pest-resistant.

Botanical name: Caesalpinia cacalaco

Other names: Coulteria mexicana, Tara cacalaco

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cascalote tree is a large shrub or small tree that grows 20 feet tall and wide.

Evergreen or deciduous, depending on seasonal temperatures in the region.

Leaves are lime-green and grow in pairs of small leaflets that are shaped like teardrops.

Open, multi-trunk shape with low branches if left unpruned. Cascalote trees from their native habitat have thorns, but thornless varieties from cultivation exist as well.

Blooms bright, yellow flowers on long spikes.

Followed by dark-colored seed pods. Cascalote is part of the pea family.

Very heat resistant. Small leaves help it to perform well in the desert heat.

Prune the Cascalote tree into desired shape, whether large shrub or small tree. If kept as a tree, regular pruning will be required due to its low branching and suckering growth habit.

Great candidate for small yards, front yards, courtyards, and patios.

Note that there are thorny and thornless varieties.

As a nitrogen fixer, it helps to build healthy soil around the tree.

Cascalote is widely used for its tannic acids within the tannery industry.

Attracts bees and butterflies when in bloom.

Cascalote tree is from warm regions in central and southern Mexico.

Soil: Loose, well-draining soil that is moderately fertile.

Temperature: Can withstand temperatures down to 20 degrees for a short period. Very heat tolerant.

Water: Apply occasional, deep watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Use a moisture meter or stick your finger through the soil to gauge the moisture level. It’s better to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering.

Sun: Full sun.

Pests: Cascalote trees are mostly pest resistant.

Signs of overwatering: Drooping, squishy texture, weak branch growth, leaf drop

Signs of too little water: Shriveling, drying skin, leaf drop

Signs of too much sun: Burning, scarring, fading color

Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, discoloring, lack of flowers

Obtain seeds from the seed pods and plant in moist soil.

How much does a cascalote tree cost?

At our nursery, a Cascalote tree costs $35 for a 5-gallon container, $120 for a 15-gallon container, $250 for a 24-inch box, $500 for a 30-inch box, $750 for a 36-inch box, and $2,500 for a 48-inch + box.

Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date pricing information. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.

Do cascalote trees have thorns?

Cascalote trees, from their original habit, have thorns, but thornless varieties have also been cultivated.

Can cascalote trees handle the desert heat?

Yes, cascalote trees perform very well in hot regions.