Olneya tesota

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Desert Ironwood

 
Plant photo of: Olneya tesota
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Information by: Kathleen Moore        Photographer: Mountain States Nursery

 

Description

Evergreen tree grows slowly to 25' x 25'. It has attractive gray bark and the stems are armed with thorns. In late spring, there are masses of dusty lavender, pea-like flowers. This handsome tree lends character to the landscape. It is native to the Sonoran Desert.

 

  • Anatomy

  • Sun/Water

  • Design

Plant Type

Tree

 

Height Range

12-25'

 

Flower Color

Lavender

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Grey Green

 

Bark Color

Grey

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Very Low

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Clay, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Thorns/Spines

Design Styles

Ranch, Spanish, Wild Garden

 

Accenting Features

Multi-trunk Tree, Showy Flowers, Specimen

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring

 

Location Uses

Background, Foundation, Patio, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Screen, Shade Tree, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Wildlife

Water Saving Tip:

As the weather gets hotter avoid the temptation to increase run times.

Instead, schedule more start times with one to two hours in between to allow the water from the previous session to soak in before watering again.