Acacia greggii, commonly known as catclaw acacia, catclaw mesquite, or wait-a-minute bush, is a hardy, deciduous shrub or small tree native to the arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Belonging to the legume family Fabaceae, it typically grows 3 to 9 meters (10 to 30 feet) tall and is well adapted to desert washes, rocky slopes, and dry plains where it thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils. The plant earns its common name from the distinctive curved thorns along its branches, resembling a cat’s claw, which easily catch on clothing or fur—hence the nickname “wait-a-minute bush.” Its bipinnate leaves are small, gray-green, and finely divided, helping to minimize water loss in hot, dry climates. In late spring to early summer, Acacia greggii produces dense, cylindrical spikes of creamy yellow flowers that fill the air with a sweet fragrance, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. These blooms are followed by flattened, curved seed pods that mature to a reddish-brown color, often persisting into winter and providing food for wildlife such as quail, deer, and small mammals. Ecologically, the species plays an important role in desert ecosystems, enriching the soil through nitrogen fixation and offering shelter and nesting sites for birds. Historically, Indigenous peoples utilized many parts of the plant: the pods and seeds were ground into meal, the bark and roots used for medicinal infusions, and the wood employed for tools and fuel. Despite its thorny defense, Acacia greggii remains valued for its drought tolerance, ecological contributions, and resilience, making it a quintessential representative of the desert’s enduring flora.