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Desert Ironwood

Olneya Tesota

Design with this plant

Overview

The Desert Ironwood (Olneya tesota), native to the Sonoran Desert, thrives in arid conditions. This hardy perennial can reach heights up to 25 feet and spans roughly 15 feet wide. Noted for its dense, dark grey bark and lavender blooms, it serves as a habitat for wildlife and fixes nitrogen in the soil. Adapted to USDA zones 9-11, the ironwood demands full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal water once established.

Sun FullWater LowZones 9–11Type TreeClimate Arid, Subtropical
Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — Adapted to USDA zones 9-11

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Low
USDA zones
9–11

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Tree
Family
Fabaceae
Climate
Arid, Subtropical

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Photos (59)

Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — evergreen tree can reach impressive heights of up to 30 feet with a canopy spread roughly 25 to 35 feet
Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — adding a splash of color and attracting a variety of pollinators including bees and hummingbirds
Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — pinnate leaves that remain on the tree throughout the year
Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — particularly when selecting planting locations and planning for potential growth.<br><br>As a desert native
Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — is a resilient and hardy tree native to the Sonoran Desert
Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — scientifically known as Olneya tesota
Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — The Desert Ironwood (Olneya tesota), native to the Sonoran Desert, thrives in arid conditions; it serves as a habitat for
Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — Adapted to USDA zones 9-11; this hardy perennial can reach heights up to 25 feet and spans roughly 15 feet wide
Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — requiring minimal water once established; adding a splash of color and attracting a variety of pollinators including bees and
Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — lavender flowers in the garden
Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — The Desert Ironwood (Olneya tesota), native to the Sonoran Desert, thrives in arid conditions
Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — dark grey bark and lavender blooms; its wood is among the densest in the world
Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — it serves as a habitat for wildlife and fixes nitrogen in the soil; due to its deep root system, ensure proper spacing from
Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — It thrives in full sun exposure and can tolerate poor soil conditions
Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — which should be considered in cooler desert regions
Olneya Tesota
Olneya Tesota
Olneya Tesota
Olneya Tesota
Olneya Tesota
Olneya Tesota
Olneya Tesota
Olneya Tesota
Olneya Tesota
Photographs by 4 contributors

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