Water
Water deeply when the top 5-8 cm of soil feels dry. Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during cooler, dormant periods to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions.
Catclaw Blackbead (Pithecellobium unguis-cati) is a thorny, ornamental shrub or small tree native to Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry between waterings, reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm to Moderate
75% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-27°C. Can tolerate brief cooler periods.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water deeply when the top 5-8 cm of soil feels dry. Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during cooler, dormant periods to prevent root rot.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions.
Prune to shape and remove dead or crossing branches. This can be done after flowering or in late winter. Catclaw Blackbead tolerates heavy pruning if necessary to manage size or remove vigorous growth.
Wear protective gloves due to its thorns.
Easily propagated from seeds sown in spring after scarification or soaking. Cuttings can also be taken from semi-hardwood in summer and treated with rooting hormone for better success.
Ensure a well-draining medium for seedlings and cuttings.
Repot young plants annually or every two years in spring. Mature plants can be repotted less frequently, only when root-bound.
Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally sandy and gritty, to mimic its native arid conditions. Ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Catclaw Blackbead (Pithecellobium unguis-cati)
Where Catclaw Blackbead (Pithecellobium unguis-cati) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Species | Pithecellobium unguis-cati |
Similar in genus Pithecellobium
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data