Arid Zone Trees

Foliage: Deciduous

Mature Height: 25’ - 40’

Mature Width: 20’ - 40’

Growth Rate: Moderate

Hardiness: 0 degrees F

Exposure: Full Sun

Leaf Color: Dark Green

Shade: Filtered to Dense

Flower Color: Cream

Flower Shape: Fuzzy Spike

Flower Season: Mid-Spring

Thorns: Yes

Propagation Method: Seed

Sizes Available: 24”, 36”, 48"

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Prosopis velutina PDF

Native Mesquite is one of the most common trees found in the desert Southwest. These trees are distributed throughout Central and Southern Arizona, West Coast of Mexico and the West Indies. In the wild it grows along stream beds, in washes, on slopes and mesas where deep soils are found and on plains. Some Native mesquites are distinguished from the other species discussed by the short dense hairs that cover nearly the entire plant including the seed pods. This fuzzy appearance has led some to call this species Velvet mesquite. In the landscape, trees grow best in well draining soils. Maturing trees can be naturalized to survive on rainfall alone but look more lush with deep, monthly summer irrigations. In the landscape trees grow at a moderate rate and can reach a height of 40' and spread 20 to 40' with trunk diameters of up to 3 feet in diameter. Mature specimens have dark, shaggy bark. Feathery, soft, gray-green foliage provides filtered shade in summer. Native mesquites tolerate lawn planting but shade from mature trees may inhibit growth of summer lawns. In nature the trees typically grow as multiple trunk specimens but cultivated trees can be pruned into single or multi-trunk forms. Cream colored, cylindrical flowers appear by mid-spring and tan seed pods are shed in fall. In informal desert designs, Native mesquites can be used as a theme tree, as individual specimen at entry monuments, around golf course tee boxes or as the center piece of desert scenes. This beautiful Native brings a feeling of the Sonoran Desert into any landscape design.

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 www.aridzonetrees.com and click on the FAQ link.

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 www.aridzonetrees.com and click on the FAQ interactive button.

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.