Pithecellobium unguis-cati, commonly known as Cat’s Claw, is a deciduous vine or climbing shrub native to tropical dry forests and coastal thickets from Mexico to Colombia, Venezuela, and parts of Florida. It can grow vigorously, often reaching lengths of over 30 feet (9 meters) when supported. Cat’s Claw features compound leaves with a pair of sharp, claw-like thorns at the base, which it uses to climb. It blooms with small, fragrant, white to yellow flowers, followed by curled, woody seed pods. The flowering season is typically in the spring, and the flowers are moderately showy.

Cat’s Claw is valued for its rapid growth and ability to cover unsightly areas, making it useful for urban planting, border planting, and as a screen. However, its aggressive growth habit requires careful management to prevent it from becoming a nuisance. It thrives in full sun to part shade, prefers well-drained soils, and has moderate water requirements. Due to its potential invasiveness, it is important to monitor and control its spread when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0