This acacia is a small tree or large shrub from the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has fragrant, round golden puffballs in late winter/early spring, followed by red-brown peapod-like fruit in summer. This plant thrives in full sun, very well-drained soils, and reduced water during winter dormancy. It will need a cool period in winter to produce the best flower production. Straight white thorns are most obvious on younger branches.