Olneya tesota

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Desert Ironwood

  
California Native Plant
Plant photo of: Olneya tesota
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Information by: George Hull MSN        Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

 

Description

This Sonoran desert native has attractive grey bark. Frost or drought can induce leaf drop. Summer monsoons can trigger regrowth. The stems are armed with vicious thorns. In spring, there are masses of lavender pea like flowers. This tree needs no water in deep soil. The seeds are edible. Leaves are 2" long and 1" wide. Do heavy pruning only in cooler months. It is native < 2500' in sandy washes. Give some frost protection when young.

 

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

 

Height Range

12-25'

 

Flower Color

Lavender, Pink

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Grey Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.