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Velvet Mesquite, Arizona Mesquite, Native Mesquite
Prosopis velutina
Qualifies for Tree Enhancement Program
Climate Resiliency
5 out of 5 stars
Southwestern native. Mojave Desert native. Broad, rounded habit. Jointed branches with thorns up to 2 inches long. Trunk and branches have a twisting, architectural appearance. Shaggy, sheading bark when mature. Soft, finely-cut, green to gray-green leaflets with a slightly fuzzy texture. Yellow catkin flowers. 3 to 8 inch long straight to curving seed pods. Flowers attract bees. Seeds are a food source for birds. Pods and seeds are edible. Moderate litter. Can be cleaned up or left to feed wildlife and enrich the soil. Extra water speeds up growth. Can blow over in strong winds if it has a poor root structure. Poor root structure usually caused by shallow watering, watering only at the tree's base, or girdling roots. Prune in early spring or late fall for shape and to thin canopy if it becomes too dense. Somewhat invasive roots that can crack and heave pipes, walls, pavement and foundations. Member of the Legume family. Synonyms: Prosopis glandulosa velutina, Prosopis juliflora velutina.
- Plant type: Perennial, Tree
- Maintenance level: Medium, Low
- Water requirement: Low
- Sun exposure: Full, Part Sun, Morning Sun, Afternoon Sun, Reflected Heat
- Height range: 30 Feet
- Width range: 30 Feet
- Canopy value: 530 ft²
- Growth rate: Fast, Medium
- Seasonal habit: Deciduous
- Flower color: Yellow
- Flower season: Summer, Autumn
- Fruit color: Brown
- Fruit season: Spring, Summer
- General foliage color: Grey, Green
- Design style: Thorns/Spines
- Hardiness cold tolerance: 10 °F
- Soil preference: Sand, Clay, Rocky, Well Drained, Dry
- Native location: Arizona, Texas, Northern Mexico
- PH preference: Not Particular
- Sunset zones: 10, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
- USDA hardiness zone: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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