Parkinsonias do not have a particularly tall or apparent trunk, but when young they are very curious in appearance, with smooth green bark. Its low height helps the pendulous and pointy branches of the foliage almost to touch the ground. Due to the morphology of the leaves, the foliage is sparse and practically reveals everything behind the tree. In the wild, they are to be found following the course of natural water drainage.

Despite the graceful appearance of the foliage, they are grown in their place of origin to create enclosures as the branches have thorns that act as very good protection. In fact, the specific name: aculeata means thorny in Latin.