Olneya tesota
Light: Full sun; tolerates reflected heat.
Water: Very low water once established. Water deeply during establishment, allowing soil to dry between soakings; established trees benefit from occasional deep irrigation during prolonged hot, dry periods.
Soil: Well-drained sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil; tolerates alkaline desert soils. Avoid persistently wet or poorly drained locations.
Mature size: Typically 20–30 feet tall and wide; very old trees may reach 35 feet or more.
Bloom: Late spring, usually April–June in Phoenix; flowering intensity varies with rainfall and growing conditions.
Evergreen / deciduous: Generally evergreen to semi-evergreen; may shed leaves during drought, cold weather, or shortly before flowering.
Growth rate: Slow; somewhat faster with careful supplemental irrigation.