Honey Mesquite
Neltuma glandulosa
Also listed as Algarobia glandulosa, Dasiogyna glandulosa
Climate Match for your location
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A drought-tolerant legume tree native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, prized for its fragrant cream-colored flowers and long edible seed pods. Extremely heat and drought tolerant, making it ideal for xeriscape landscapes.
Why grow it
Honey mesquite outperforms many other drought-tolerant legumes in establishing on marginal soils and sustaining productivity through extended dry periods without supplemental water. Unlike some xeriscape alternatives, it fixes atmospheric nitrogen, improving soil fertility over time, and produces edible pods with higher protein content than many comparable species. Its ability to thrive in poor, compacted, or saline soils makes it valuable where other food-producing trees struggle.
Watch out for
Mesquite establishes slowly in the first few years and benefits from initial irrigation and mulching to speed establishment, especially outside its native range. The brittle wood and aggressive lateral roots can complicate placement near structures or hardscaping, and plants are prone to multiple stem growth unless trained early to a single trunk. Flowering and pod timing vary considerably by climate and year, so consistent yields should not be assumed in marginal growing zones.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southwestern United States and Mexico
Native to: Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A drought-tolerant legume tree native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, prized for its fragrant cream-colored flowers and long edible seed pods. Extremely heat and drought tolerant, making it ideal for xeriscape landscapes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Honey Mesquite grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Honey mesquite outperforms many other drought-tolerant legumes in establishing on marginal soils and sustaining productivity through extended dry periods without supplemental water. Unlike some xeriscape alternatives, it fixes atmospheric nitrogen, improving soil fertility over time, and produces edible pods with higher protein content than many comparable species. Its ability to thrive in poor, compacted, or saline soils makes it valuable where other food-producing trees struggle.
Watch out for
Mesquite establishes slowly in the first few years and benefits from initial irrigation and mulching to speed establishment, especially outside its native range. The brittle wood and aggressive lateral roots can complicate placement near structures or hardscaping, and plants are prone to multiple stem growth unless trained early to a single trunk. Flowering and pod timing vary considerably by climate and year, so consistent yields should not be assumed in marginal growing zones.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southwestern United States and Mexico
Native to: Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
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