Leguminosae (Fabaceae)

Daniel Palacios-Linares, Sandra M. Guzmán, Amir Rezazadeh, Liliana M. Cano, Lorenzo Rossi, andAlan L. Wright

This publication addresses the influence of irrigation scheduling on water use, plant growth, and development for young pongamia trees (Millettia pinnata (L.) Panigrahi). Written by Daniel Palacios, Sandra M. Guzmán, Amir Rezazadeh, Liliana M. Cano, Lorenzo Rossi, and Alan Wright, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, November 2023.

J. Vendramini and A. E. Kretschmer, Jr.

Florida carpon desmodium is among the few perennial summer-growing, grazing-tolerant, herbaceous pasture legumes available to Florida cattle producers.

Edward F. Gilman, Keighly Graves, Wendy Wilber, Tom Wichman, Claire Lewis, Gail Hansen, andRyan Klein

Mexican bird of paradise is a large shrub to small tree that has showy clusters of yellow flowers and fine textured evergreen foliage. It is well suited for use as a specimen, container or above ground planter, or in commercial landscapes.

Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop

The gold medallion tree is planted primarily as a shade tree or as a decorative specimen for the yard or street. Many people like this tree because of its fast growth rate and showy, bright yellow clusters of flowers that bloom in the summer months. This tree loses its leaves for a very short period each year, but leaves are quickly replaced. Pruning the tree to one main leading stem from which major branches are attached can help increase its strength and sturdiness against strong wind events.

Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop

The Kenyan cassia can be used as a showy ornamental tree or shrub, with its dark foliage and bright yellow flowers. Some people find the seed pods to be unattractive and prune the tree after it flowers to prevent pods from developing. This tree tolerates a wide range of soil types and can be used in a garden, park, patio, or streetscape setting.

Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, andRobert J. Northrop

A UF/IFAS numbered publication.

Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop

In Florida, white leadtree is a prohibited species and therefore is not used in commercial applications in the state. However, in its native range it is used as a source of charcoal, fuel, and lumber. It has also been planted as a windbreak for crops such as coffee and cocoa, and some ranchers use the tree as a source of both shade and forage for cattle, with the pods being an excellent source of protein.

Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop

This document provides an overview of the Enterolobium cyclocarpum, commonly known as the ear tree. Native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, this deciduous tree thrives in various soil types and warm, moist climates. It features light green, bipinnately compound leaves, and produces distinctive semicircular seedpods resembling ears. The ear tree is valued for its shade, especially on coffee plantations and cattle ranches, and its heartwood is used in furniture making due to its resistance to fungus and termites. However, it is susceptible to limb breakage during storms and is not tolerant of salty conditions. Original publication date July 2012.

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, andDrew C. McLean

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, Andrew K. Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, and Drew C. McLean

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, and Deborah R. Hilbert

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Andrew Koeser

This fast-growing, deciduous tree has a low branching, open, spreading habit and delicate, lacy, almost fern-like foliage. Fragrant, silky, pink puffy pompom blooms, two inches in diameter, appear in abundance from late April to early July creating a spectacular sight. But the tree produces numerous seed pods and harbors insect (webworm) and disease (vascular wilt) problems.

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, and Deborah R. Hilbert

This fast-growing, deciduous tree has a low branching, open, spreading habit and delicate, lacy, almost fern-like foliage. Fragrant, silky, white puffy pompom blooms, two inches in diameter, appear in abundance from late April to early July creating a spectacular sight. 

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Andrew Koeser

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

Growing 20 to 40 feet in height, Hong Kong orchid tree creates a rounded, spreading canopy composed of large, 6- to 8-inch-diameter, gray/green leaves. Since young trees can be irregularly shaped, pruning during the first several years after propagation is often needed to develop a more uniform crown. It is the beautiful display of orchid-like blooms, though, which make Hong Kong orchid tree so desirable for the landscape, the large, six-inch blossoms appearing in multiple shades of purple, rose, and pink during the summer, fall, and early winter months, when little color is usually present in the garden.

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, and Deborah R. Hilbert

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Andrew Koeser

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

This deciduous to semievergreen tree has a vase-shaped, open canopy with lower branches removed made up of large, bilobed, light green, papery leaves. Unpruned trees form a rounded crown. The orchid-like blooms, in shades of purple, red, pink, white, or yellow, are three to four inches across and produced in abundance at various times of the year, depending upon species. Orchid tree makes a spectacular specimen or shade tree or fits well into mixed shrubbery borders.

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, andDrew C. McLean

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, andDrew C. McLean

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

Brilliant scarlet and yellow flowers, feathery foliage, and quick growth make dwarf poinciana a popular evergreen shrub. It is hard to find a more attractive flower. Also known as Barbados flower fence, this open-branched, fine-textured shrub will tolerate hot, dry areas, and forms an effective thorny barrier. It flowers year-round with peak displays in spring and fall.

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein and Deborah R. Hilbert

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, and Deborah R. Hilbert

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, and Deborah R. Hilbert

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, andDrew C. McLean

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, andDrew C. McLean

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

The state tree of Oklahoma, Eastern Redbud is a moderate to rapid-grower when young, reaching a height of 20 to 30 feet. `Flame' Eastern Redbud shows double pink flowers all over the tree in spring, just before the leaves emerge. Thirty-year-old specimens are rare but they probably can reach 35 feet in height forming a rounded vase. The pink flowers are displayed later than the species and are sterile so there is no fruit set. `Flame' Eastern Redbud has an irregular growth habit and is more upright than the species when young but forms a graceful flat-topped vase-shape or globe as it gets older.

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

`Forest Pansy' Eastern Redbud is a moderate to rapid-grower, 20 to 30 feet in height, which has red twigs and beautiful, shimmering, purple/red new leaves, which fade to purple/green during the summer in its southern range (USDA hardiness zones 7, 8 and 9). The veins on the backs of the leaves are a deep maroon and make a striking contrast with the light grey/green leaf. The splendid, purple/pink flowers appear all over the tree in spring, just before the leaves emerge. `Forest Pansy' Eastern Redbud has an irregular growth habit when young but forms a graceful, flat-topped, vase shape as it gets older.

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

The state tree of Oklahoma, eastern redbud is a moderate to rapid grower when young, reaching a height of 20 to 25 feet. 'Silver Cloud' has variegated leaves blotched with white. Thirty-year-old specimens are rare, but they probably can reach 25 to 30 feet in height forming a rounded vase. The pink flowers are much less noticeable than on the species. Eastern redbud has an irregular growth habit when young but forms a graceful flat-topped vase-shape or globe as it gets older.

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

The state tree of Oklahoma, redbud is a moderate to rapid-grower when young, reaching a height of 20 to 30 feet. Thirty-year-old specimens are rare but they can reach 35 feet in height, forming a rounded vase. The bright white flowers appear all over the tree in spring, just before the leaves emerge. Redbud has an irregular growth habit when young but forms a graceful flat-topped vase-shape or globe as it gets older. The tree usually branches low on the trunk, and if left intact forms a graceful multi-trunked habit.

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

Texas redbud is a deciduous tree, native to southwestern North America including Texas, reaches 30 to 40 feet in height with a 15- to 20-foot width, and grows slowly into a rounded or vase shape. It and the Mexican redbud are the best-suited redbuds for the western and central Texas and Oklahoma areas of the country. Young trees are a bit irregularly shaped and benefit from some training and pruning to form an upright, more uniform crown.

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

Mexican redbud is a moderate to rapid grower when young, reaching a height of 18 to 25 feet. The splendid purple-pink flowers appear all over the tree in spring, just before the leaves emerge. Leaves are considerably smaller than those on Texas redbud and eastern redbud, and the edges are distinctly undulating. Mexican redbud has an irregular growth habit when young but forms a graceful flat-topped vase-shape as it gets older.

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

This small tree or shrub will usually grow several trunks from its base unless properly pruned. It is native to California, Arizona, and Utah, but grows predominantly in California foothills below 4,000 feet. The temperature needs to drop below 28°F in order for flowering to be profuse. The plant is not grown in the eastern United States.

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

'Oklahoma' redbud is a deciduous tree, native to southwestern North America including Texas, that reaches 30- to 40-feet in height with a 15- to 20-foot width, and grows slowly into a rounded or vase shape. Young trees are a bit irregularly shaped and benefit from some training and pruning to form an upright, more uniform crown.

Edward F. Gilman, Edward F. Gilman, andDennis G. Watson
Other Contacts: Michael G. Andreu

Yellowwood is so named because the freshly cut heartwood is a muted to brilliant yellow color, and the wood is known to yield a yellow dye. This seldom-used, native, deciduous tree makes a very striking specimen or shade tree, reaches 30 to 50 feet, rarely 75 feet in height, with a broad, rounded canopy and a vase-shaped, moderately dense silhouette. Smooth, grey to brown bark; bright green, pinnately compound, 8- to 12-inch-long leaflets; and a strikingly beautiful display of white, fragrant blossoms make yellowwood a wonderful choice for multiple landscape uses.

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, andDrew C. McLean

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, andDrew C. McLean

This many-branched, broad, spreading, flat-crowned deciduous tree is well-known for its brilliant display of red-orange bloom, literally covering the tree tops from May to July.

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, andDrew C. McLean

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, andDrew C. McLean

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, andDrew C. McLean

This upright, handsome, spreading, semi-evergreen tree has a rounded canopy and is capable of reaching 50 feet in height with a 30 to 50-foot spread. Form can be quite variable from tree to tree, unfortunately, eliminating this plant from the palette of many architects. With proper training and pruning in the nursery and in the landscape, a more uniform crown will develop.

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein and Deborah R. Hilbert

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, andDrew C. McLean

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, and Deborah R. Hilbert

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, and Deborah R. Hilbert

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Edward F. Gilman, Deborah Hilbert, Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan Klein, Andrew Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, andDrew C. McLean