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(Paliurus spina-christi)
Jerusalem Thorn (Paliurus spina-christi)
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Gianni Del Bufalo bygdb
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Gianni Del Bufalo bygdb
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Gianni Del Bufalo bygdb | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Gianni Del Bufalo bygdb | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2022-08-31T12:30Z |
Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements for Loma Linda, California
| This Plant | Your Site | Plant Suitability for Your Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| • Precipitation | 4" - 90" | 13" | Your precipitation may be insufficient for this plant. Irrigate N" / year. | Irrigate N" / year |
| • High Temp. | 52°F - 109°F | 95°F | Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. | Excellent |
| • Low Temp. | 3°F - 67°F | 40°F | Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant | Excellent |
This plant should grow well at your location with about N inches per year (Y minutes per month) of irrigation.
Summary
Paliurus spina-christi, commonly known as Jerusalem Thorn, Garland Thorn, Christ’s Thorn, or Crown of Thorns, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to a variety of habitats including maquis, garrigue, open woodlands, and areas of scrub in the Mediterranean region, Southwest Asia, and Central Asia, from Morocco and Spain to Iran and Tajikistan. It typically grows to 10-13 feet tall and wide, with distinctive zig-zagged shoots and oval, glossy green leaves. The plant is notable for its spiny branches and the unique appearance of its fruit: dry woody nutlets centered in circular wings, which have historical significance as they are thought to have been used for the crown of thorns placed on Jesus’ head.
Paliurus spina-christi is valued for its historical and ornamental interest, particularly in themed gardens and as a conversation piece. It is also used for hedging due to its dense, spiny branches. This species prefers full sun to part shade, well-drained soils, and is drought-tolerant once established. While it is not commonly found in cultivation, it can be grown in a variety of soil types and is relatively low maintenance. Gardeners should be cautious as the spines can be sharp and may require careful placement in the landscape.CC BY-SA 4.0
Paliurus spina-christi is valued for its historical and ornamental interest, particularly in themed gardens and as a conversation piece. It is also used for hedging due to its dense, spiny branches. This species prefers full sun to part shade, well-drained soils, and is drought-tolerant once established. While it is not commonly found in cultivation, it can be grown in a variety of soil types and is relatively low maintenance. Gardeners should be cautious as the spines can be sharp and may require careful placement in the landscape.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 3-20 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow, Moderate
- Flower Color: Green, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Erosion Control
Natural Habitat
Native to maquis, garrigue, open woodlands, and scrub areas in the Mediterranean, Southwest Asia, and Central Asia
Other Names
Common Names: Jerusalem Thorn, Crown of Thorns, Jeruselem Thorn
Scientific Names: Paliurus spina-christi, Paliurus aculeatus, Paliurus aculeatus var. inermis, Paliurus aculeatus var. inermis, Paliurus australis, Paliurus clypeiformis, Paliurus incurvus, Paliurus incurvus, Paliurus microcarpus
GBIF Accepted Name: Paliurus spina-christi