Olneya tesota
Ironwood, Desert Ironwood
Oʼodhamhoˊidkam
Description
Olneya tesota is a large, slow growing tree up to 30 ft tall and almost as wide in optimum habitat. It usually grows in or near a wash at 500 to 3500 ft elevation. In the lower deserts it forms a sparse, but dominant flora in combination with Carnegia gigantea. In the Spring, the many spiny branches erupt with purple and white flowers. Bees make excellent honey from the flowers and the wood is used for producing carvings.
