Prosopis pubescens (Screwbean Mesquite)

A graceful southwestern native, Prosopis pubescens (Screwbean Mesquite) is a deciduous shrub or small tree of vase-like habit with long, slender branches and an open canopy of feathery, bluish-green leaves. Twice-compound, the small leaves, up to 3 in. long (7 cm), have 5-9 pairs of leaflets. The twigs are armed with paired slender spines, up to 1 in. long (2.5 cm), at the base of each leaf. From late spring to mid-summer, a profusion of pale yellow flowers appear in narrow clusters. Favored by bees, they are followed by decorative clusters of tightly coiled pods, 2 in. long (5 cm), that contain numerous seeds. They are valuable forage for livestock and wildlife. Native Americans made meals, cakes, and syrup from the pods and prepared a treatment for wounds from the root bark. The unusual seedpods of this desert shrub or small desert tree can also be used in dried arrangements. Prized for its beautiful flower displays, blue-green foliage, and unique seedpods held in groups like Christmas ribbons, this desert plant is a naturally shrubby plant that is often used as a barrier planting, but it can be trained as a tree where light shade would be desirable.

• Grows up to 8-30 ft. tall and wide (240-900 cm). In the northernmost portion of its range, it commonly grows up to 8-13 ft. (240-390 cm).
• A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in dry to moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soil textures from light and sandy to heavy, clay soil textures. Supplemental summer irrigation is important in most southwestern desert locations. Drought tolerant and some tolerance to saline soils.
• No serious pest and disease issues. Deer resistant.
• Prune as desired to reinforce the structure and shape of the tree. Periodic thinning is best: remove about 20% of the canopy during the growing season
• Propagated by seed. Seeds can be stored in sealed, refrigerated containers for several years. Treatment is usually not necessary.
• Native range extends from southeastern California west into southern Nevada, extreme southwestern Utah, southern and western Arizona, southwestern and south-central New Mexico, western Texas, and northern Mexico, including Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, and Coahuila.