Neltuma glandulosa
Honey Mesquite is an iconic, deeply taprooted Texas native tree featuring feathery compound leaves and fragrant yellow catkin blossoms. Equipped with taproots capable of reaching over 150 feet down to access deep aquifers, it fixes atmospheric nitrogen into thin soils via root nodules. Its sweet, protein-rich bean pods were a historical dietary staple for Native Americans and remain crucial wildlife forage for deer, javelinas, and coyotes, while its flowers host Ceraunus Blue and Reakirt's Blue butterflies.
Height: 15-40 ft.
Spread: 15-30 ft.
Foliage: Deciduous
Growth Rate: Moderate
Water Need: Low
Sun Need: Part Sun, Full Sun
Substrate / Soil: Limestone, Loam, Gravelly
Bloom Season: Apr, May, Jun, Jul
This species serves as an essential host plant for caterpillar larvae of: Ceraunus Blue, Reakirt's Blue, Leda Hairstreak.
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