Catclaw Acacia

Uña de Gato, Texas Mimosa, Wait-A-While

Acacia greggii Gray

Whole plant

Family : Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Longevity : Perennial

Origin : Native

Season : Warm

Catclaw is a shrub with a plethora of branches that have thorns which appear as the claws on a cat. This woody bush can range anywhere from three feet in height to ten feet. This native South Texas plant can be found on the Edwards Plateau and South Texas Plains in dry arroyos, valleys, sandy soils, gravelly hills, and slopes. Catclaw is in bloom from April to October. It is foraged by butterflies, bees, other insects, white-tailed deer, and small mammals such as rabbits, quail, and other birds. Small mammals and birds use Catclaw for protection, nesting, and roosting. Insects which inhabit this plant produce a residue that is used for varnish and shellac. Native Americans used the seeds in mush form for back pain relief. Other common uses include landscape, xeriscape, as an ornamental, or hedge plant.

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