Height to 40 feet, trunk to 1 ft in diameter. Easily recognizable by its branches of long streamers, spines on branches grouped in three. High crown makes this feature tree an attractive patio, lawn or street plant. Yellowish green bark, smooth, scaly at base and brown when larger. Leaves are bright green, twice pinnately compound, to 20 inches long.
Leaves fall off during drought or cold conditions.
Sparse foliage provides filtered shade. This tree blooms in late spring and early summer. Golden yellow blooms with five petals, the largest orange or yellow with orange spots. Gradually becoming naturalized in Arizona. Foliage and seeds are eaten by wildlife.