Olneya tesota
Gray.
Desert ironwood, Ironwood
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc-nd
(c) David Greenberger, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND), uploaded by David Greenberger
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) W. Terry Hunefeld, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by W. Terry Hunefeld
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) W. Terry Hunefeld, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by W. Terry Hunefeld
Description
Olneya tesota is a TREE growing to 9 m (29ft 6in) at a medium rate. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Seed - raw or cooked. A similar taste to peanuts.
Distribution
South-western N. America - California to Arizona and Mexico.
Where It Grows
NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Arizona (s. & s.w.), California (southeast)), Mexico (Baja California (Norte), Baja California Sur, Sonora)
Cultivation
This species requires an almost frost-free climate.
Propagation
Seed -
Other Uses
Wood - very hard, it can blunt a saw.
