Lundell's Catclaw Plant Care

Lundell's Catclaw (Parasenegalia lundellii) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Parasenegalia genus. Lundell's Catclaw is native to Mexico, Guatemala.

Lundell's Catclaw displays a tall tree, spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Lundell's Catclaw produces small clusters of yellow or white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Lundell's Catclaw every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Lundell's Catclaw thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Parasenegalia lundellii tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Lundell's Catclaw prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Lundell's Catclaw to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Lundell's Catclaw every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Lundell's Catclaw is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Lundell's Catclaw can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Lundell's Catclaw while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Lundell's Catclaw is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Lundell's Catclaw can be propagated through seeds, root division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to visco plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Lundell's Catclaw is susceptible to aphids, leaf miners, pod borers. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Lundell's Catclaw grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Lundell's Catclaw is native to Mexico, Guatemala. In cooler regions, grow Lundell's Catclaw as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.