Family: Fabaceae

A shrub with a dense, upright crown.

Compound leaves are silver in color. Bright yellow flowers grow in terminal spikes. It blooms most of the year, peaking in Spring and Summer. An important source of nectar, pollinators, often visit the bright flowers. Seed pods are 2 to 8 inches long, form after flowering ceases. They persist hanging on the plant for more than a year. Inside the pod are round seeds, tightly packed, reminiscent of a necklace. Hence the common name, yellow necklace tree.

This species has an extensive native range from the SE United States, the Caribbean, Central, and South American coastlines. It tolerates heavy salt spray, wind, and drought.

It thrives in well-drained, sandy soil with full sun. A perfect nitrogen fixer for coastal gardens, it is a fast-growing and low maintenance plant.

*All parts of this plant are toxic, especially the seeds.

Plant Uses:

• Container plant
• Hedge
• Nitrogen fixer
• Ornamental
• Windbreak

Plant Dangers:

• Toxic to animals and humans