Mesquite

Belonging to the legume family, the Mesquite tree is a deciduous tree. With over 40 species, Mesquites are native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. Growing as a shrub, with limited water, or in the form of a tree with plenty of water, Mesquites can reach well over 50 feet in height. 

Mesquite trees consist of one or commonly more trunks with a dark brown furrowed bark, feathery leaves with nine pairs of oblong leaflets and vicious thorns.  With a taproot that can extend as far down at 200 feet below the surface, Mesquite tree roots will seek water from very far underground, as well as restore nitrogen in the soil.  

Mesquite trees bloom during spring and summer with white and yellow flowers followed by its elongated (like a green bean) seedpod fruit.  These seedpods have a sweet and nutty flavor and have been used to make flour, coffee, wine and so much more.  

Native Americans used every part of the Mesquite tree, inclusive of, but not limited to: medicinal applications, food, sewing needles, baskets, dye, bows and arrows. Wood of the Mesquite is most often used for the manufacturing of flooring, doors, tables, sculptures, fences, honey manufacture, firewood and smoking meat. The Mesquite tree is steeped in history with positive and negative attributes (e.g. invasive species), as well as lore and superstition.  

Learn more about Mesquite at The Wood Database by clicking here.