Tornillo, American Screwbean, Screwbean, Screwpod Mesquite, Twisted Bean, Fremont Screwbean
Family:
Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map
Chihuahuan Deserts
Chihuahuan Basins and Playas, Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau
Plant Characteristics
Growth Form
Tree
Height
10
to
15
ft.
Spread
10
to
15
ft.
Leaf Retention
Deciduous
Lifespan
Perennial
Habitat and Care Requirements
Soil Type(s)
Sand, Loam, Clay, Caliche, Well Drained
Light Requirement
Sun, Part Shade
Water Requirement
Medium
Native Habitat
Grassland
Bloom and Attraction
Bloom Color
White, Yellow
Bloom Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Seasonal Interest
Fruit, Forage, Nectar
Wildlife Benefit
Browsers, Birds, Small Mammals, Nectar Insects
Maintenance
It is found growing in nature only in spots where the water table is close to the surface or where there is runoff or periodic flooding. Prune to increase density. Propagation: Seed.
Comments
A multi-trunked tree with very fine, gray-green, deciduous foliage and narrow clusters of pale-yellow flowers. Tightly coiled tan seedpods are bunched in clusters. The tree and its thorns are smaller and the foliage is lacier than that of honey mesquite. Browsed by livestock and wildlife.