Prosopis pubescens   
  Screwbean mesquite   
Fabaceae Family     

characteristic seed pods of Prosopis pubescens

Form: single or multistemmed small tree or shrub; vase shaped, open and spreading
Seasonality: deciduous
Size: to 25-40ft with equal spread
Leaves: bipinnately compound, lacy
Flowers: 1-2in pendulous yellow spikes; bloom in May & June
Fruit: corkscrew-curled bean pods develop through the summer
Stems/Trunks: sharp spines; dark bark on trunk and older limbs, bark sheds in long stringy pieces
Range/Origin: riparian areas of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts
Hardiness: thought to be to 10-15°F

LANDSCAPE VALUE:

• good small or patio tree, where spines are not a problem
• filtered shade
• distinctive corkscrew pods add interest summer through fall
• barrier hedge (shrub form)

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Exposure: full sun
• Water: deep and infrequent; for best appearance water every 2 weeks while in leaf
• Soil: any, good drainage
• Propagation: seed
• Maintenance: pod cleanup; training to tree form when young if desired

Prosopis pubescens	close-up of blooms

 

Research by Master Gardener Devona Painter

NOTES:

also known as "Tornillo"
Great choice as a natural trellis for climbing vines.
Also a good nurse tree for sun-sensitive small specimen cacti.

thorns on Screwbean mesquite tree

detail of peeling bark

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This page was first created March 27, 2004 and last modified February 10, 2006.

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email to: tmoore1@flash.net

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