Olneya tesota

Desert Ironwood

Tree

The Desert Ironwood is a true native plant. This evergreen is slow to grow to 12 to 20 feet and will drop leaves after a hard freeze. The crown spreads as wide as it is tall. The gray bark has curved thorns when young. It wants to be a shrub and is usually multi-branched. When growing naturally, it's an indicator plant for growing citrus. The wood is hard, heavy and dense, valued for carving and firewood.

Temperature

Tolerant of heat. Foliage freezes at about 20F.

Water requirements

Best with occasional irrigation.

Sun

Full to reflected sun. Withstands harsh conditions.

Soil

Tolerant. Best with loose sandy or gravelly soil with good drainage.

Maintenance

None to periodic, depending on location and preference. Otherwise, maintenance depends on use.

Disadvantages

Spiny branches, slow to develop. Blossom, pod and leaf litter.

Bloom

Prolific lavender-pink flowers in May and June.

Fruit or Seeds

Dark, hairy seed pods follow blooms.

Uses

Hot areas in gardens or patios.

Origin

Native of warm-winter deserts of California, Arizona and northern Mexico. A member of the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family.

Themes

Native, Desert Grassland, Desert, Desert Transitional.

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