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Native Plant Society of Texas

White Thorn Acacia

Vachellia constricta

Other common name(s):

Whitethorn Acacia, White-thorn Acacia, Mescat Acacia, Mescat Wattle, Whitethorn, Vara Prieta, Chaparro Prieto

Family:

Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Chihuahuan Deserts
Chihuahuan Basins and Playas, Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Shrub

Height

7
to
10
ft.

Spread

4
to
5
ft.

Leaf Retention

Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Limestone, Caliche, Well Drained, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White, Yellow

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Forage, Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Browsers, Butterflies, Birds, Nectar Insects, Bees

Maintenance

Drought tolerant and low maintenance. It is well-suited for xeriscapes and can be an attractive addition to any water-wise landscape. Ensure that the location provides ample space for it to reach its full size without overcrowding other plants. Native habitat: along washes, on slopes and mesas from 2,000-6,500 ft. Propagation: seed, root division.

Comments

Blooms May-August. A tall bush to small multitrunked tree. Produces small, yellow-orange balls of fragrant flowers. Compound leaves are finely segmented and fall off during dry seasons. Forms distinctive white thorns on older growth. The fruit is a bean-like pod that ripens to bright red.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Acacia constricta, Acacia constricta var. constricta, Acacia constricta var. paucispina

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Scarification Place pods in large plastic tub and stomp on them to break open the pods and allow the seeds to fall out. Sieve the seeds from the pod material. It is necessary to scarify the hard coating on these seeds to improve germination rates. Scarification can be done by applying boiling water to the seeds and letting them soak for 3-24 hours. Mechanical scarification by sandpaper or nicking followed by hot water is also recommended. Collect seed late summer to early fall when seeds are firm, filled out, and dark brown. Be sure to wear gloves and avoid the thorns. 1) https://npn.rngr.net/renderNPNProtocolDetails?selectedProtocolIds=vachellia-constricta-vachellia 2) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=VACO9
Clump Division Propagation is achieved through division, involving sharp, clean cuts to the root ball. Healthy sections should have robust roots and be replanted promptly in moist, warm soil to ensure successful establishment. https://www.picturethisai.com/wiki/Vachellia_constricta.html#:~:text=Water:%20Adapted%20to%20arid%20environments,soil%20to%20ensure%20successful%20establishment.
Semi-harwood Cutting Trim the cut end of each branch cutting just below a leaf node, and remove leaves from the lower half of the cutting to expose the nodes. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. Fill a pot with a well-draining soil mix, such as a blend of peat, perlite, and coarse sand. Make holes in the soil using a pencil or similar tool, then insert the treated cuttings into the holes without rubbing off the rooting hormone. Lightly press the soil around the cuttings for stability. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or place it in a mini greenhouse to maintain high humidity. Ensure the environment is well-ventilated to prevent mold growth, and avoid direct sunlight which can lead to overheating. Water the soil lightly to keep it moist but not waterlogged. Success can be expected in several weeks. Monitor the cuttings for root development and growth, transferring them to larger pots or to a garden setting once the roots are well established. Select healthy, non-flowering branches from a mature whitethorn Acacia to use as cuttings. Ideally, choose semi-hardwood sections that are about 4 to 6 inches long and contain several leaf nodes. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Vachellia_constricta.html#:~:text=Fill%20a%20pot%20with%20a,around%20the%20cuttings%20for%20stability.

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason