Olneya tesota
Desert Ironwood
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Desert Ironwood (Olneya tesota) - Description
O. tesota is a thorny native of the Southwest's Sonoran Desert, and found in warm-winter California areas. It's common name is "ironwood," referring to it's extremely hard, heavy heartwood. It may be single or multi-trunked. It bears gray-green leaves, which are divided into many 0.75 inch leaflets. It bears sweet pea-shaped half-inch pinkish lavender flowers in the late spring.
Desert Ironwood (Olneya tesota) - Blooming
Blooms pea-like, lavender flowers in summer followed by green seed pods.
Desert Ironwood (Olneya tesota) - Growth
Desert Ironwoods are slow growers but will eventually grow to be approx. 25-30 ft. tall. Grows best in full sun. Does not tolerate freezing temperatures.
Desert Ironwood (Olneya tesota) - Planting
Sow seed when ripe, "in situ" or in containers.
Desert Ironwood (Olneya tesota) - Pest
Uncommon.
Desert Ironwood (Olneya tesota) - Interesting facts
There is only one known species of Olneya found in the Southwestern region of North America. The dense wood of Desert Ironwood will sink in water, and its seeds are edible after roasting.
Desert Ironwood (Olneya tesota) - Soil and irrigation
Once established, Desert Ironwoods require no water in order to flourish. They do need soil that is well-draining and kept somewhat fertile.
