Screwbean mesquite has fine textured, bluish green foliage. It has a naturally shrubby growth habit, but it can be trained as a small tree at a young age with proper pruning. In late spring, yellow catkin-type flowers appear all over the tree, morphing into unusual looking seedpods. These twisted and spiral seedpods are said to be sweet and nutritious, and are especially attractive to birds, wildlife, and livestock.
On mature plants, peeling bark is interesting, appearing almost furry from a distance. If screwbean mesquite is grown as a tree, it makes the perfect choice for small areas or a nurse tree for sun sensitive cacti or succulents. If left alone to grow in its natural form, it makes a dense barrier hedge. Plant natives such as jojoba or wolfberry with screwbean mesquite for a naturalistic landscape that will attract desert wildlife!
Height: 10 – 25 feet
Width: 10 – 25 feet
Bloom color: Yellow
Flowering season: Spring
USDA minimum zone: 7
Cold hardiness: 10° F
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