Honey Mesquite (Glandulosa)

The Honey Mesquite (Glandulosa) is generally described as a perennial tree or shrub. This is native to the U.S. (United States) .

Uses of : Landscaping, Medicinal, Culinary, etc.

Ethnobotanic: The Apache and Isleta applied the juice from the leaves of honey mesquite to eyelids as a treatment for irritation. The Comanche chewed the leaves and swallowed the juice for an antacid. The Acoma ground the beans into flour and prepared the flour as a mush. They would also cook and eat the beans whole. The Navajo used the wood from honey mesquite to construct bows.

General Characteristics

General: Legume Family (Leguminosae). Honey mesquite can be a shrub or tree ranging from 4 to 6 m tall. One or two stout spines are found at the nodes. The leaves are alternate, bipinnate, and have petioles. There are usually one paired division (pinnae) per leaf and 6 to 15 leaflets per pinna. The leaflets are 15 to 62 mm long and smooth. The flowers are in axillary spikes that are 7 to 9 cm long. The flowers are yellow in color. The calyx has a shallow, cup-like shape. Each flower has 10 stamens and white woolly ovaries. The legumes are straight and nearly as thick as they are broad (7-20 cm long). The legumes are reddish-brown in color and constricted between seeds. The seeds are 6 to 6.5 mm long and brownish in color.

Required Growing Conditions

For current distribution, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on the PLANTS Web site.

Habitat: Honey mesquite is found on plains and dry ranges.

Adaptation Honey mesquite is tolerant of high intensity fires. Following top-kill by fire, sprouts arise from underground buds that are dormant on an underground stem.

Status

Weediness This plant may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed. Please consult with your local NRCS Field Office, Cooperative Extension Service office, or state natural resource or agriculture department regarding its status and use.

General Upkeep and Control

PRGLT"The Timbisha Shoshone pruned honey mesquite, keeping areas around the trees clear of undergrowth, and also of dead limbs and lower branches. The Cahuilla in southern California also pruned mesquite trees and broke and cut branches regularly to provide easier access to the seedpods. "