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Screwbean Mesquite
Scientific Name: Prosopis pubescens Benth.
Family: Fabaceae

Show Larger Picture Screwbean Mesquite at the Desert Botanical Garden.

Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: 10-13,27-30 USDA: 7-10 Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 0°F (-18°C) Heat Tolerance: Excellent Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade Origin: Southern New Mexico and Texas, west to northern Baja California, throughout much of southeastern California, southern Nevada, eastern Arizona, and extreme southwestern Utah, mostly in river bottoms Growth Habits: Thorny deciduous tree or shrub, up to 25 feet tall (7.5 m), 25 feet spread (7.5 m) Watering Needs: Little water Propagation: Seeds

Cultural Practices:
The seeds must be scarified before sowing. The seeds have a very long shelf life (probably over 50 years). The screwbean mesquite has a fair amount of salt resistance.

Blooming Habits:
Rod shaped yellow flowers in late spring.