White carob tree (algarrobo blanco) Prosopis alba
White carob tree (algarrobo blanco) (Prosopis alba) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to Gran Chaco and north-west Argentina. It grows 6–15 m (20–49 ft) tall and 6–12 m (20–39 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
Plan White carob tree (algarrobo blanco) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
White carob tree (algarrobo blanco) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 6–15 m (20–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–12 m (20–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–9 |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 48 °C (118 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: sweet pods (flour, añapa, aloja) |
| Native to | Gran Chaco and north-west Argentina |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇵🇪 Peru |
Is White carob tree (algarrobo blanco) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: thorns
Short spines on branches.
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 White carob tree (algarrobo blanco)
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
Questions about White carob tree (algarrobo blanco)
- How far apart should I plant White carob tree (algarrobo blanco)?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–12 m (20–39 ft).
- Does White carob tree (algarrobo blanco) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does White carob tree (algarrobo blanco) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is White carob tree (algarrobo blanco)?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does White carob tree (algarrobo blanco) flower?
- From about October for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is White carob tree (algarrobo blanco) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Short spines on branches.
- What grows well with White carob tree (algarrobo blanco)?
- "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).
- Flora Argentina, IBODA-CONICET
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
Notes and assumptions
- “The tree” (el árbol) of the Argentine Chaco: shade, timber and pods ground into a sweet flour.
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