Mesquite
Common Name: Mesquite
Other Names: Honey Mesquite, Glandular Mesquite
Species Name: Prosopis glandulosa
Plant Type: Woody
Family Name: Mimosaceae, Mimosa Family
Examples of Mesquite Prosopis glandulosa
| Plant Facts | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Native |
| Duration | Perennial |
| Distribution in the U.S. | South-central portion |
| Distribution in Oklahoma | Western half of the state |
ID Characteristics
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Field Identification Characteristics
Vegetative
- Zigzag branches with short spurs and stout spines
- Compound leaves; narrow
- Recognized by low, bush-like structure
Floral
- White, woolly flower tassels; “caterpillar” like
- Long, segmented bean pods
-
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
- Growth Form: Tree
- Leaf Type: Compound, 2 pinnately
- Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
- Leaf Blade Edge: Entire
- Leaf Blade Length: 7-20 centimeters (leaflets 1-3 centimeters)
-
Floral Characteristics
- Petal Number: 5
- Flower Color:Creamy white to pale yellow
- Flower Timing: May-June
- Fruit Type: Legumes
| Habitat/Ecology | |
|---|---|
| Soil Type | Sandy and gravel soils |
| Habitat | Sandy, dry areas |
| Successional Stage | Mid to late |