by CMG Betty J
Mature Honey Mesquite from Wildflower.org
Honey Mesquite, Prosopis glandulosa, often simply called mesquite, is a common native tree in much of Texas except the far eastern region. This small, graceful tree is most often found growing in fallow fields and pastures in such abundance as to become aggressive and overabundant; many ranch owners eradicate them. Cattle graze on the sweet pods and disseminate the seeds. In some places there are so many mesquite trees that they form dense thickets that limit land usage.
Honey Mesquite from Wildflower.org
When found in “moderation” Honey Mesquite trees have many important uses and can be retained. Mesquite firewood is famous for producing flavorful smoke in a BBQ pit. The wood is used for flooring and furniture. Bees make fragrant honey from their nectar and deer and birds use the trees for food and shelter. Their large taproots are grubbed for firewood. A mature mesquite creates graceful branches, long leaves, short height (about 20 feet) and drought tolerance make them welcome additions to a residential landscape.
Honey Mesquite Leaves from Wildflower.org
Honey Mesquite Thorns from Wildflower.org
Honey Mesquite leaves are alternate, compound and deciduous. They grow up to ten inches long with up to 20 pairs of leaflets. They are bright green, have a smooth edge and a feathery appearance. A long, sharp thorn grows where they attach to the smooth, brown bark. Yellow-green flower clusters appear in the spring and occasional blooms reappear in summer after a soaking rain.
Honey Mesquite Pods from Wildflower.org
Mesquite fruit is a long, narrow legume pod 4-10” long whose seeds ripen in August and Native Americans used not only the pods for food and the wood for shelter, but also for weapons, tools, fibers and dyes. Prosopis glandulosa or honey mesquite is a host plant for Reakirt’s blue and ceraunus blue butterflies.
References: Wildflower.org