Desert ironwood, Ironwood

Olneya tesota

Physical Characteristics

Olneya tesota is a TREE growing to 9 m (29ft 6in) at a medium rate. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

South-western N. America - California to Arizona and Mexico.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Seed - raw or cooked[46, 61, 105, 161]. A similar taste to peanuts[2].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known