Desert ironwood (Olneya tesota)

Desert ironwood

Also known as: Ironwood

The common name desert ironwood refers to the fact that this species grows in and around deserts. Also, the wood of this tree is unusually dense and solid—like iron. Native Americans roasted the seeds, which taste like peanuts. It’s native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.

Scientific classification

Species

Desert ironwood (Olneya tesota)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Spring

Bloom Time

White, Pink, Purple

Flower Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Slow

Growth Rate

Images of Desert ironwood

Attributes of Desert ironwood

Growth Rate

Boasting a slow growth rate, desert ironwood subtly adapts to Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons, gradually stretching its structure over time, subtly expanding canopy breadth, and sparingly producing silver-gray leaves. Slower growth avails desert ironwood resilience against desert harshness, preserving resource expenditure, while seemingly insignificant seasonal height increases contribute to desert ironwood's notable longevity.

Distribution of Desert ironwood

Distribution Map

Desert ironwood is a plant with a native range concentrated in the North American desert regions. Beyond its natural habitat, details on its introduced range remain sparse, suggesting desert ironwood has not been widely naturalized in other major regions or continents.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Foothill washes, low desert areas

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Care Guide for Desert ironwood

Every 2-3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Adapted to arid environments, desert ironwood requires minimal moisture with infrequent watering, ideally every 2-3 weeks. Thriving in hot, dry regions, it prefers well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, essential for its survival and drought tolerance.

Fertilize: Fertilizing desert ironwood is vital for robust growth, using balanced nutrition fertilizers applied biannually at half-strength to prevent harm. Adapt quantities for younger plants and always water post-application to distribute nutrients effectively, ensuring desert ironwood's health in nutrient-poor soils.

Pruning: Desert ironwood thrives in arid conditions and requires strategic pruning during dormancy (early to late winter). Focus on removing dead or crossing branches and thinning dense areas to enhance air circulation, boost flowering, and minimize disease risk, ensuring a healthy and well-shaped plant.

Propagation: Desert ironwood thrives in arid landscapes and is best propagated by sowing scarified seeds to improve water absorption. Sow in well-draining soil with consistent moisture, and gently warm the soil for optimal germination, simulating its natural desert environment.

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Images of Desert ironwood

Attributes of Desert ironwood

Distribution of Desert ironwood

Care Guide for Desert ironwood

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