The screwbean mesquite is a small tree or shrub native to southern California. It sets itself apart from its traditional mesquite cousin with its attractive, corkscrew-shaped bean pods that appear in the summer. Keep reading to learn more screwbean mesquite info, including screwbean mesquite care and how to grow screwbean mesquite trees.
Screwbean Mesquite Info
What is a screwbean mesquite tree? Hardy in USDA zones 7 through 10, the screwbean mesquite tree (Prosopis pubescens) ranges from the American Southwest and Texas into Central and South America. It is small for a tree, usually topping out at 30 feet (9 m.) in height. With its multiple trunks and spreading branches, it can sometimes grow to be wider than it is tall. It differs from its cousin, the traditional mesquite tree, in a few ways. Its spines and leaves are smaller, and there are fewer of these leaves in every cluster. Instead of red, its stems are a duller gray color. The most striking difference is the shape of its fruit, which earns the plant its name. The seed pods, which are light green and 2 to 6 inches (5-15 cm.) in length, grow in a very tightly coiled spiral shape.
How to Grow a Screwbean Mesquite Tree
Growing screwbean mesquite trees in your landscape or garden is relatively easy, provided your climate is the right one. These trees prefer sandy, well-drained soil and full sun. They are relatively tolerant of drought. They can handle pruning and shaping and can be trimmed into a shrub or tree-like shape with a single or several bare trunks and raised foliage. If left unpruned, the branches will sag down to sometimes touch the ground. The pods are edible and can be eaten raw when they are young in the spring or pounded into meal when dry in the autumn.
-
Forage For Herbs: 7 Tasty And Safe Wild Herbs To Pick Close To Your Own BackyardIn addition to growing your own herbal staples, did you know there are several wild options out there that are safe and tasty – and free? Try foraging these 7 wild herbs
-
Should You Cut Back Roses In The Fall? – When To Prune Your Prized Shrubs For WinterDiscover whether to cut back roses before the onset of winter – or to leave plants alone until spring.
-
Signs Of Mesquite Sickness – Recognizing Mesquite Tree DiseasesMesquite trees are attractive and drought tolerant, and a standard part of xeriscape plantings. Sometimes, though, these tolerant trees exhibit signs of mesquite sickness. Click here for information about diseases of mesquite trees and how to recognize them.
-
Mesquite Pest Solutions – How To Deal With Pests Of Mesquite TreesMesquite trees are an excellent choice for a tough landscape tree that requires very little input once established. Even so, you'll want to monitor them for insect infestations from time to time. If you see any, you'll know what to do after reading this article.
-
Are Mesquite Trees Edible: Learn About Mesquite Pod UsesIf someone were to mention "mesquite" to me, my thoughts immediately turn to the mesquite wood used for grilling and barbecuing. But is there more to mesquite beyond the grill? Can you eat mesquite? Are mesquite trees edible?" Click here to find out.
-
Moving Mesquite Trees – Is Transplanting A Mesquite Tree PossibleWhere other trees may wilt and dehydrate, mesquite trees draw moisture from the cool depths of the earth and gracefully ride out the dry spell. However, this deep taproot can make transplanting a mesquite tree quite difficult. Click here for tips on moving mesquite trees.
-
Mesquite Tree Uses – What Can Mesquite Be Used ForOf mesquite, many of us only know about the slow burning wood that makes for a great barbeque. That?s only the tip of the iceberg, though. What else can mesquite be used for? Mesquite tree uses are many and varied. Learn more about these uses here.
-
Mesquite Cutting Propagation : Can You Grow Mesquite From CuttingsMesquite plants make attractive specimens in the garden. Can you grow mesquite from cuttings? Absolutely. You will just need a little info on how to root mesquite cuttings and when and where to harvest your material. This article will help with that.
-
Sowing Mesquite Seeds: How And When To Plant Mesquite SeedsGrowing mesquite from seeds found in the wild is a fun way to enjoy these plants for free. However, mesquite seed germination can be capricious and requires several steps for success. Click on this article for further info on how to grow mesquite trees from seed.
-
Mesquite Tree Pruning: Learn When To Prune A Mesquite TreeMesquite trees grow so fast that you may need to do mesquite tree pruning every year or so. That means that homeowners with these trees in the backyard need to know how to prune mesquites and when to prune a mesquite. This article will help with that.
