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Mesquite—Prosopis spp.
Family Fabaceae (Pea family)

Plant Identification

Prosopis spp. are hardy evergreen and deciduous trees or shrubs. They tend to become shrubbier in poor, rocky soil, but can grow up to 30 feet tall in good conditions.  Plants may have one or multiple trunks and have dark bark.  There are several branches producing small leaflets.  Greenish-yellow flowers are produced in spring and summer, followed by edible, flat, beanlike pods.  Flowers produce honey.  Many varieties are thorny; thornless varieties are available.

Optimum conditions for growth

Mesquite trees and shrubs are most commonly grown in the desert.  They do well in areas with full sun and require little to moderate amounts of water.  Established trees are drought tolerant but can handle some water.  Prune to cut out dead and broken limbs. 

Leaves and flower
Leaves and flowers of mesquite

Pests and disorders of Prosopis spp.

Invertebrates

Diseases

Environmental disorders

Weeds

Vertebrates

Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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