Chapter 120 Prosopis spp.
120.1 Mesquite
A wild-growing mesquite tree showing the natural growth habits of most members of the genus. Link to original image.
120.2 Soil: Lean Conifer Mix
Ratio: 2 parts bark, 1 part grit
Add-ins: dolomitic limestone (~5 lbs/yd); Tree-Tone (15 lbs/yd)
pH: ~6.5 (slightly below neutral)
Moisture: Fast draining
120.3 Light
Routine: full sun. Only provide shade if there are obvious signs of leaf scorch.
120.4 Cultivation Notes
120.4.1 Potting & Root Pruning
Repot in spring. Once repotted, the tree will need to be kept moist while it re-establishes. After two months, the feeder roots have spread out and the deeper roots are diving into the soil.
120.4.1.1 Top & Branch Management
Heavy pruning: prune in early spring to encourage good branch formation. When cut to the ground, the tree can often recover.
Fine pruning: remove the basal sprouts to keep vegetative growth from drawing nutrients from the main trunk.
Leaf pruning: not needed or appropriate.
120.4.2 Feeding
Mesquites are woody legumes, so they can fix their own nitrogen from the air. Minimal feeding is needed.
120.4.3 Pests & Problems
None that I have seen.
Chemical Warnings
120.4.4 Winter Storage
Store in mulch outdoors. Try to place in a shaded area so buds do not break in a mid-winter warm spell. No other special precautions are needed.
120.5 Propagation Notes
Mesquite tree seeds remain viable for decades, but require specific conditions for germination.
Seeds break dormancy at 80 to 85 F, barely covered by soil. Constant moisture is needed for them to germinate. Once germinated, temperatures up to 90 degrees produce the best growth.
120.6 Artistic & Styling Notes
Do not try to force mesquites into a specific style. They do best when the tree is allowed to form a trunk naturally, then the finer growth managed to provide a clean profile.
120.7 Additional Information
120.7.1 Natural History
Mesquite trees grow wild in disturbed soils on stream flood plains and grazing pastures. Mesquites develop extremely deep root systems, pulling water from very deep layers. If more water is available, the trees adapt by developing a shallow root system.
Mesquite trees are able to grow up to 25 feet tall, depending on site and climate. It is deciduous and depending on location and rainfall can have either deep or shallow roots. Prosopis is long-lived because trees are able to survive in conditions with low light and drought.
Mesquites grow as a small shrub in shallow soil or as tall as 50 feet (15 m) in deep soil with adequate moisture, and forms a rounded canopy nearly as wide. They may have one or multiple trunks with a multitude of branches. They have light green to blue-green divided leaves. Spikes of yellow flowers in spring attract bees and other pollinators, that become flat pods 2 to 6 inches long. Many varieties form thorns.