Description:

This spiny small tree or large shrub forms a wide canopy of rounded, floppy, drooping branches with feathery foliage; fluffy clusters of yellow flowers in spring, followed by large maroon pods; highly adapted to arid environments

Ornamental Features

Honey Mesquite is draped in stunning racemes of yellow catkins along the branches from early spring to late summer. It has attractive light green deciduous foliage. The small ferny pinnately compound leaves are highly ornamental but do not develop any appreciable fall color. The fruits are showy burgundy pods which fade to tan over time, which are displayed from early fall to mid winter.

Landscape Attributes

Honey Mesquite is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting birds, bees and butterflies to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spiny

Honey Mesquite is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Shade
• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• Windbreaks and Shelterbelts

Planting & Growing

Honey Mesquite will grow to be about 30 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 30 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 60 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. This plant does not require much in the way of fertilizing once established. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is native to parts of our region..