White Thorn Acacia (Acacia constricta) is another native acacia in our area. It’s not as common Cat Claw Acacia (Acacia greggii) which is too bad for us hikers because it’s in bloom right now and it’s wonderfully aromatic!
Stems of new growth is red.
White thorns are typical but not always present.
Distinctive “constricted” seedpods. This photo is from October, 2007.
Good catch of that Lady Bug.