Olneya tesota
Desert Ironwood
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.
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
Leaf Season
Evergreen, Semi-evergreen
Sun
Full
Water
Very Low, Low
Growth Rate
Slow
Soil Type
Sandy, Loam, Rocky
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
Thorns/Spines
Design Styles
Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden
Accenting Features
Multi-trunk Tree, Showy Flowers, Specimen
Seasonal Interest
Summer
Location Uses
Foundation, Patio, With Rocks
Special Uses
Shade Tree, Naturalizing
Attracts Wildlife
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.