The native Screwbean Mesquite

The Palo Brea, or Sonoran Palo Verde, is a lovely, sculptural species related to the Palo Verde from Mexico. While this is a beautiful tree, if you live in the colder parts of Tucson or Green Valley areas it is not considered a hardy species. While it may survive, it does suffer from frost damage and will look shabby in cold winters.The Sweet Acacia is not a native tree to the Desert Southwest, but certainly well acclimated to desert climates. A tough, low water use tree, the Sweet Acacia is fairly fast growing and produces fragrant yellow puffball flowers in late winter. This is one of the smaller tree species for the Tucson and Green Valley area, maturing at about 20 feet tall and wide.View the list »
The Velvet Mesquite is one of several species of mesquites found in the Desert Southwest, and although considered native, at one time this tree was not found here. Overgrazing encouraged the invasion of the mesquite from Mexico, but in the case of this lovely tree, this is not a bad thing.

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The Screwbean Mesquite, Prosopis pubescens, is a little known species of mesquite for desert landscaping, even though it is a native to the Southwest deserts. The Screwbean Mesquite matures to a smaller tree or large shrub than the Velvet Mesquite, making it suitable for smaller spaces. Hardy down to zero degrees, it is a good choice for both Tucson and Green Valley.

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The unique feature about this species of mesquite, is the unusual bean pods. Shaped a little like a corkscrew, the pods are decorative both on the tree, and for use in crafts.

Like all mesquite species, the Screwbean Mesquite loves lots of water provided there is good drainage, but it will survive on far less and still look good. This tree requires diligent pruning to make a tree form, but once accomplished you will have a nice looking tree with interesting shaggy bark.

Reference: Mountain States Wholesale Nursery and Gregg Starr Nursery Plant Info Sheet, 1999.

View the list
  • The Velvet Mesquite is one of several species of mesquites found in the Desert Southwest, and although considered native, at one time this tree was not found here. Overgrazing encouraged the invasion of the mesquite from Mexico, but in the case of this lovely tree, this is not a bad thing.
  • The Sweet Acacia is not a native tree to the Desert Southwest, but certainly well acclimated to desert climates. A tough, low water use tree, the Sweet Acacia is fairly fast growing and produces fragrant yellow puffball flowers in late winter. This is one of the smaller tree species for the Tucson and Green Valley area, maturing at about 20 feet tall and wide.
  • The Palo Brea, or Sonoran Palo Verde, is a lovely, sculptural species related to the Palo Verde from Mexico. While this is a beautiful tree, if you live in the colder parts of Tucson or Green Valley areas it is not considered a hardy species. While it may survive, it does suffer from frost damage and will look shabby in cold winters.
View the list

, Tucson Gardening Examiner

This author has lived in Arizona since 1972 and has been gardening for more than 28 years. A landscape architect and certified arborist, Linda teaches classes for everyone in desert plant care for Green Valley Recreation, and provides services in landscape design. Contact her at Linda...

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