SelecTree: Tree Detail
MESQUITE
Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana
Photo Locations: Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA, Quail Arboretum - Encinitas, CA and The Living Desert - Palm Desert, CA
General Notes
This deciduous tree, can be a handsome desert shade tree with proper pruning and age. Found in the Mohave and Colorado deserts.
Has fragrant Flower.
Has thorns.
Native to Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico.
Family: Fabaceae
Tree Characteristics
Spreading or Weeping with a Low Canopy.
Rounded, Umbrella or Vase Shape.
Has Deciduous foliage.
Height: 25 - 35 feet.
Width: 25 - 35 feet.
Growth Rate: 12 to 24 Inches per Year.
Longevity 50 to 150 years.
Leaves Bipinnately Compound, Medium Green, Gold, Deciduous.
Fragrant Yellow. Flowers in Spring. Has perfect flowers (male and female parts in each flower).
Brown Pod, Very Large (Over 3.00 inches), fruiting in Summer Edible.
Bark Dark Brown, Red Brown or Dark Gray, Exfoliating, Furrowed or Scaly.
Shading Capacity Rated as Moderate in Leaf.
Shading Capacity Rated as Low out of Leaf.
Litter Issue is Dry Fruit.
Tree Site Conditions & Constraints
Sunset Zones 10 - 13 and 18 - 24.
USDA Hardiness Zones 6 - 11.
Exposure Full Sun.
Moist to Dry Soil.
Drought tolerant.
Loam or Sand Texture.
Neutral to Highly Alkaline Soil pH.
Salinity Tolerance is Good Inland.
Seaside Tolerance is Not Suited.
Pests & Disease Information
Resistant to Texas Root Rot.
Health, Safety & Environmental Concerns
Branch Strength Rated as Medium.
Root Damage Potential Rated as Low.
Allergy Health Hazard.
Attracts Birds and Bees.
Special Uses & Values
Screen.
Cite this tree:
SelecTree. "Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana Tree Record." 1995-2020. Feb 27, 2020.
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/prosopis-glandulosa-torreyana >
This tree is not part of the SelecTree Nursery Connection. If you would like to see this tree listed, or know of a nursery that sells it, please contact us at ufei@calpoly.edu.