Arid Zone Trees

Foliage: Deciduous

Mature Height: 25’ - 35’

Mature Width: 30’ - 40’

Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast

Hardiness: 0 degrees F

Exposure: Full Sun

Leaf Color: Dark Green

Shade: Filtered to Dense

Flower Color: Greenish-Yellow

Flower Shape: Fuzzy Spike

Flower Season: Late Spring

Thorns: Yes

Propagation Method: Seed

Sizes Available: 24”, 36”, 48"

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Honey Mesquites are unique among desert landscape species with its willow-like appearance, its delicate leaf canopy and grayish sculptural trunks. It can be found growing in deserts throughout the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico mostly along stream banks or drainage areas where summer water is available. In landscape settings the trees grow at a moderate to fast rate to a mature height of 25' to 35' and 30' to 40' wide. Weeping leaf and branching structure gives the tree an appearance similar to California pepper. The leaf canopy is spreading and lacy providing ample filtered shade that supports the growth and flowering of under-story plantings. When used as accent trees or as individual specimens, trees are typically pruned up to highlight the graceful twisted, multiple trunk structure. Honey mesquites are completely deciduous in winter with new leaves emerging in late February and early March. Showy early spring foliage is glossy, bright chartreuse green. Elongate, greenish yellow, fragrant flowers 2" to 3" long begin appearing in March and may be seen as late as September. Flowers produce narrow, bright red to tan seed pods in summer. Branches have thorns varying in length from 1/8" to 3/4". The trees grow best in full sun and well draining soils. They are hardy to 0 degrees F making ideal landscape trees in areas (like southern Nevada) where extreme winter temperatures can damage other mesquite species. Honey mesquites can be naturalized and survive on seasonal rainfall but the trees do best and appear more lush with supplemental summer water.

Cultural Practices:

Foster the development of a more dispersed root system and reduce the risk of wind throw by arranging irrigation emitters at varying distances from the trunk to encourage roots to "seek out" water and nutrients. Irrigation emitter arrangement along with other information on irrigations practices for desert trees can be found at Irrigation Practices for Desert Trees.

Prune as needed to reinforce the structure and form of the tree. Periodic thinning is the most desirable method of pruning. Avoid hedging or heading back desert species, as this will only stimulate excessive branching. Do not remove more than 30% of the canopy during the summer as this can lead to sunburn injuries that can later be invaded by wood boring insects. Always use clean, sharp tools that are cleaned regularly in a 10% solution of bleach. For detail pruning guide see Pruning Desert Trees.

Periodically insect pests can be a problem on some desert trees. On young trees, insect infestation can slow typical seasonal growth. Inspect trees during the growing season for common garden sucking insects such as aphids, thrip, whiteflies or psyllids. During dry months, (May and June) in dusty conditions, spider mites can appear. Monitor for infestation and apply controls as needed. Spray applications of water or water and Safer Soap give short-term control (3 to 7 days) for small insect population. For heavy infestation or longer control use federally registered insecticides. A contact insecticide application will kill existing adults. An application with a systemic soil drench will provide 8 to 12 weeks control for any post application insect hatchings or migration of insects. Before using pesticide for the first time or on new plants or cultivar, treat a few plants and check for phytotoxicty. Always read label and follow label instruction before using pesticides. For pesticide control recommendations contact a licensed pest control advisor.