Leucaena retusa is a species of flowering plant in the legume family known by the common names littleleaf leadtree, goldenball leadtree, wahoo tree, and lemonball.[1] It is native to Chihuahua and Coahuila in Mexico and Texas in the United States. It also occurs in New Mexico.[1] [2]
This plant is a small tree that can reach in height. The leaves are bright green to blue-green[3] in color and each is divided into several leaflets.[1] The spherical flowers are yellow to white.[3] The trees flower in April through October. They tend to flower profusely after rain. The fruit is a legume pod up to in length. The wood is weak and breaks easily.[1] [3]
This tree grows in dry habitat and is drought-tolerant.[1] It is adapted to alkaline soils and full sunlight.[3] It is often cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive appearance. It is easily grown from seed and it will reseed itself.[1] It can even become weedy.[3] It is not considered useful as a honey plant or for its wood.[1]
Animals such as livestock and white-tailed deer find the herbage palatable. The seeds are also high in protein.[1]