Velvet mesquite Prosopis velutina
Velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to Sonoran Desert washes and grasslands. It grows 6–10 m (20–33 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
Plan Velvet mesquite in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Velvet mesquite at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–9 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 48 °C (118 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: pods (ground to flour) |
| Native to | Sonoran Desert washes and grasslands |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Is Velvet mesquite toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Velvet mesquite
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
See Velvet mesquite in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Desert Botanical Garden (4 plants)
- Denver Botanic Gardens (1 plants)
Questions about Velvet mesquite
- How far apart should I plant Velvet mesquite?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does Velvet mesquite need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Velvet mesquite need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Velvet mesquite?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Velvet mesquite flower?
- From about April for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Velvet mesquite poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Velvet mesquite?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Desert Botanical Garden plant collections and trails, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
Notes and assumptions
- Desert plant: needs sharp drainage and little summer water once established; rots in wet, heavy soil.
- Taproots can exceed 50 m; a staple food tree of desert peoples; leafs out late (after the last frost).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis