When Does Mesquite Bloom?

Velvet Mesquite

• Velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina) is the largest of the three mesquites with its height of nearly 30 feet and trunk diameter of up to 2 feet. The tree grows in thickets in its natural habitat. The sharply pointed, 2- to 3-inch-long, compound foliage is fuzzy and dull green. The tree often blooms twice a year, April and again in August, with small, fragrant, 4-inch spikes of greenish-yellow flowers. The brown pods following the flowers are about 8 inches long.

Honey Mesquite

• Honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) has a mature height of about 20 feet with a 1-foot trunk diameter. The pointed, compound yellow-green foliage is 2 to 3 inches long. The tree blooms with 3-inch clusters of ¼-inch yellow flowers during May. The fragrant flowers are followed by flat, 8-inch long bean-like pods.

Screwbean Mesquite

• Screwbean mesquite (Prosopis pubescens) also grows as a large shrub or small tree to a height of 20 feet. The trunk diameter is about 8 inches. The screwbean tree blooms with light yellow, 2-inch clusters of 3/8-inch flowers between May and August. Screwbean mesquite fruit is spiraled and brown. The 2-inch pods are full of a sweet pulp.

Growth Habits

• The high drought tolerance of the mesquites is due to their unusually long taproots that can extend nearly 190 feet into the ground. The hardy tree also has the ability to switch very rapidly from using one water source to another. New trees regenerate easily from small pieces of roots left in the soil. Mesquites also have very tough, 3-inch-long, needle-like thorns. The fragrant flowers of the tree attract many pollinators like butterflies and bees.