Plant Fact Sheet

Fabaceae
Western Honey Mesquite
Prosopsis glandulosa var. torreyana

Western Honey Mesquite is widespread in the deserts of California, Arizona, Sonora, and Baja California at elevations below 5,000 feet. It is a deciduous large shrub or small tree common to washes, sandy alluvial flats, and mesas. It also grows native in the Coachella Valley. It forms thickets, which are often referred to as mesquite bosques that can reach 50 feet wide. At the north end of the Coachella Valley, a continuous thicket exceeding 3,000 feet in length is located along geologic faults. Along these faults water seeps towards the surface allowing the mesquites to grow. Sand accumulates at the base of the mesquites forming dunes that can be from 6 to 12 feet deep.

In April, honey mesquite produces spikes filled with many small yellow flowers that are pollinated primarily by bees. The seedpods are high in sugars and the seeds are high in protein. The seedpods, which are often very abundant, are eaten by insects and wildlife alike. Chance of germination is increased when seeds are passed through the digestive system of large animals.

Mesquite roots can grow exceedingly deep: live roots have been found in a copper mine shaft 160 feet beneath the surface. However, 90% of the roots of a mesquite remain in the top 3 feet of soil. The deep taproot may help the plant survive drought, but may not significantly support growth.

Indian tribes in Arizona utilized honey mesquite as one of their most important food sources, as all parts of the plant were used in some way. The seedpods were ground into flour for making bread or gruel. Fresh pods were eaten readily and also were ground up and used to make a drink. The Cahuilla Indians collected the flower blossoms as well as the pods. The blossoms were roasted and made into balls for eating or were made into tea. Fresh and dried pods were collected and made into cakes, which were then consumed in a variety of ways.

The wood was used to make furniture, digging tools, and bows and arrows.
The thorns were used in the creation of tattoos; the sap was used as a snack, a glue, and as a wash for wounds and sores. The trunk and roots provided fiber for basket making, and the leaves were used to make a medicinal tea for headache and stomach trouble.