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 9–11Climate Arid, Subtropical

Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — The Desert Ironwood (Olneya tesota), native to the Sonoran Desert, thrives in arid conditions

Culture

Sun: Full
Water: Low
USDA zones: 9–11

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Fabaceae
Climate: Arid, Subtropical

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (39)

Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping

Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — Due to its deep root system, ensure proper spacing from hardscapes to prevent disruption

Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — This species is also frost-resistant down to around 20°F

Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — which should be considered in cooler desert regions

Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — tree with lavender blooms

Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — tree for full

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) — This hardy perennial can reach heights up to 25 feet and spans roughly 15 feet wide; evergreen tree can reach impressive

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) — 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) — the ironwood demands full sun and well-drained soil; is a resilient and hardy tree native to the Sonoran Desert

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) — scientifically known as Olneya tesota; it thrives in full sun exposure and can tolerate poor soil conditions

Desert Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) — is a resilient and hardy tree native to the Sonoran Desert; tree for full

Related plants

Annual Lupine, Bicolored Lupine (Lupinus Bicolor) — The Bicolored Lupine (Lupinus bicolor) is a vibrant annual

Annual Lupine, Bicolored Lupine

Lupinus Bicolor

Full · Zones 7–10

Russian Pea Shrub (Caragana frutex) — The Russian Pea Shrub, Caragana frutex, is a hardy deciduous legume, maturing to 12-15 ft

Russian Pea Shrub

Caragana frutex

Full · Zones 2–7

Golden Locust (Robinia Pseudoacacia 'Frisia') — commonly known as the Golden Locust

Golden Locust

Robinia Pseudoacacia 'Frisia'

Full · Zones 3–10

Chilean Mesquite (Prosopis Chilensis) — The Chilean Mesquite (Prosopis chilensis) is a drought-tolerant

Chilean Mesquite

Prosopis Chilensis

Full · Zones 8–11

Spiny Smoke Tree (Psorothamnus Spinosus) — growing 5-10 feet tall with an equal spread

Spiny Smoke Tree

Psorothamnus Spinosus

Full · Zones 9–10

Grape Soda Lupine (Lupinus Excubitus) — This drought-tolerant native stands 2-3 feet tall and thrives in well-drained soils

Grape Soda Lupine

Lupinus Excubitus

Full · Zones 9–10