Palo Verde is Spanish for green stick, and that is exactly how these trees look most of the year. With extremely tiny or no leaves at all, these trees rely on the chlorophyl in their bark. Since moisture would otherwise be lost through their leaves, this is a water conserving adaptation by nature, in our very dry climate. In the springtime yellow flowers cover Palo Verdes and make for a glorious display.

I think this one really has character.

Well, this one wasn't blooming. I show it for comparison.

And these too.