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Olneya tesota

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. Native to the Sonoran Desert.

 

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

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:

Use multiple cycles of irrigation on watering days. Most sprinklers deliver water faster than soils can absorb it.

By breaking up the watering time into smaller segments, runoff can be greatly reduced.