Velvet mesquite  

Prosopis velutina

Formerly P. juliflora. Deciduous leguminous shrub-like tree with sturdy thorns, up to 30 ft. tall with dense spikes of small yellow-cream flowers, blooming spring and again in fall. Occurs on a wide range of soil textures in upland deserts, along major water courses, riparian areas and in washes of desert grasslands, oak woodlands and pinyon-juniper woodlands; up to 6,000 ft. elevation. Forms pure thickets, but also often associated with Whitethorn acacia (Vachellia constricta), Catclaw acacia (Senegalia acacia), Ironwood (Olneya tesota), Burroweed (Isocoma tenuisecta), hackberries (Celtis spp.), palo verdes (Parkinsonia spp.), wolfberries (Lycium spp.) and Fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens). Used in desert habitat restoration. Sugary sweet seed pods are abundant and nutritious food for livestock and various wildlife. Good cover for large ungulates. Important nectar and pollen source for native pollinators such as solitary bees and is preferred by honeybees. Shelters various caterpillars and beneficial insects.