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CATCLAW ACACIA (Acacia greggii)
Other names: Cat's claw, possibly acacia

POOR TO FAIR

The catclaw is a small shrubby tree found in the arid regions of the southwestern states. It seldom reaches tree size and may not live much over 100 years. The tree bears bean like seed pods and has vicious, fishhook type, thorns. Anyone ever entangled in a catclaw is unlikely to forget the experience. The wood is very dense, hard and heavy. The sapwood is thin. Catclaw can grow in the most adverse conditions and is often the only "tree" around. 

There are no reports of recovered original catclaw bearing trees. Perhaps none of the original surveyors bothered to make the effort and suffer the scratches and torn clothing. 

Catclaw should be a fair bearing tree if not too old and ready to die. If a young tree is found of scribing size, it should be used. The worst problem is getting into the trunk for blazing. Keep the blaze small (probably just "BT" size) into the dark wood, and paint thoroughly.