Common Name: Mesquite

Other Names: Honey Mesquite, Glandular Mesquite

Species Name: Prosopis glandulosa

Plant Type: Woody

Family Name: Mimosaceae, Mimosa Family

 

 

 

 

 

 

ID Characteristics

• 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