Desert Ironwood
(Olneya tesota)
Desert Ironwood (Olneya tesota)
/
/
Matt Lavin
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Matt Lavin
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Matt Lavin | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Matt Lavin | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Olneya tesota, commonly known as Desert Ironwood, is an evergreen tree or large shrub native to the Sonoran Desert in the Southwestern USA and Northwestern Mexico. It is adapted to arid environments, often found in washes, where it benefits from deeper soil moisture, and on rocky hillsides. Desert Ironwood can reach heights of about 10 meters (33 ft) with an average trunk diameter of 60 cm (24 in). Older specimens may achieve greater height and a more massive trunk in protected washes. The bark of younger trees is gray, shiny, and smooth, while in older trees, it becomes deeply fissured. The foliage may drop in temperatures below 2 °C (36 °F) or during prolonged droughts. Flowers appear from late April to June, showcasing 5 unequal petals in shades of medium purple, magenta-red, or white to pale pink, and are quite showy, attracting pollinators.
Desert Ironwood is valued for its hardiness, longevity, and the sculptural quality of its gnarled branches. It is used in xeriscaping and as a focal point in desert gardens. This species is also crucial for the local ecosystem, providing shelter and food for wildlife. It thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscapes. Desert Ironwood prefers well-drained soils and can adapt to a range of soil types. It is not commonly affected by diseases but can suffer from root rot if overwatered. Gardeners should be aware that it can take many years to reach maturity.CC BY-SA 4.0
Desert Ironwood is valued for its hardiness, longevity, and the sculptural quality of its gnarled branches. It is used in xeriscaping and as a focal point in desert gardens. This species is also crucial for the local ecosystem, providing shelter and food for wildlife. It thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscapes. Desert Ironwood prefers well-drained soils and can adapt to a range of soil types. It is not commonly affected by diseases but can suffer from root rot if overwatered. Gardeners should be aware that it can take many years to reach maturity.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 15-20 feet
- Width: 15-20 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to washes and rocky hillsides within the Sonoran Desert
Other Names
Common Names: Tesota , Ironwood , Palo Fierro
Scientific Names: Olneya tesota
GBIF Accepted Name: Olneya tesota A.Gray