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(Holacantha emoryi)
Crucifixion Thorn (Holacantha emoryi)
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Bob Miller
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Bob Miller
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Bob Miller | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Bob Miller | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-09-26T18:46:47-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements for Commack, New York
| This Plant | Your Site | Plant Suitability for Your Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| • Precipitation | 3" - 17" | 43" | Aquatic | Aquatic |
| • High Temp. | 89°F - 111°F | 82°F | OK, but your summers are milder than normal for this plant | OK |
| • Low Temp. | 27°F - 43°F | 23°F | Your winter temperatures may be too cold for this plant | Too cold |
This plant may not grow well at your location - your precipitation is too high.
Summary
Holacantha emoryi, commonly known as Crucifixion Thorn, is a deciduous shrub native to the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts, specifically in areas of California, Arizona, and Northwest Mexico. It is well-adapted to arid environments, often found in desert washes, rocky hillsides, and scrublands. This plant typically grows to a height of 3-15 feet (0.9-4.6 meters) and a width of 3-12 feet (0.9-3.7 meters), featuring a spiny, intricately branched structure that provides habitat and protection for desert wildlife.
Crucifixion Thorn is notable for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in extreme heat and poor soils, making it a valuable plant for xeriscaping and desert gardens. It produces inconspicuous yellow-green flowers in the spring, summer, and fall that are followed by small, dry fruits. The plant’s stark form and resilience to harsh conditions make it a striking feature in cultivation. It requires minimal maintenance, needing full sun exposure and well-drained soils. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, its sharp thorns can make handling and pruning a challenge.CC BY-SA 4.0
Crucifixion Thorn is notable for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in extreme heat and poor soils, making it a valuable plant for xeriscaping and desert gardens. It produces inconspicuous yellow-green flowers in the spring, summer, and fall that are followed by small, dry fruits. The plant’s stark form and resilience to harsh conditions make it a striking feature in cultivation. It requires minimal maintenance, needing full sun exposure and well-drained soils. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, its sharp thorns can make handling and pruning a challenge.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-15 feet
- Width: 3-12 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Yellow, Green
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts, desert washes, rocky hillsides, and scrublands
Other Names
Common Names: Emory’s Crucifixion-Thorn
Scientific Names: Holacantha emoryi, Castela emoryi
GBIF Accepted Name: Holacantha emoryi A.Gray