Warm Guajillo is a spreading shrub that sprouts prolifically from the base when disturbed. The plant is usually a medium-sized shrub but can grow into a small tree to 15 feet tall. The leaves are bipinnate and fernlike in appearance.
Branches are often armed with short recurved prickles .
Guajillo grows in sandy soils and shallow ridge sites in south Texas and the very southern portion of the Texas Hill Country. The nectar is used by bees to make a light, sweet honey. The leaves and seeds are used by cattle, sheep, goats, and deer. At high concentrations, guajillo can be toxic to domestic livestock.